Trump Wants to Revive ‘Alien Registration’ for Immigrants. Advocates Say No.

Immigrant advocates on Monday sued the Trump administration over a rule requiring immigrants to register with the federal government or face criminal prosecution.

Advocates say President Donald Trump‘s revival of a dormant “alien registration” law would turn the United States into a “show me your papers” country and expose non-citizens – even those here legally – to a new criminal enforcement regime, the lawsuit claims.

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“We’re talking about a new reality in America, in which anyone perceived to be an immigrant would have to carry their identity documents any time they leave the house and be prepared to show them to law enforcement on demand, at risk of being arrested,” said Michelle Lapointe, legal director at the nonprofit American Immigration Council, one of the plaintiffs.

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On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” It ordered the DHS to ensure all “unregistered aliens” register with the government and submit fingerprints and biographical information.

The administration’s interim final rule requires all non-citizens carry proof of their registration at all times or face a $5,000 fine and up to 30 days imprisonment. {snip}

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In the interim final rule published in the Federal Register, the administration quotes a law on the books since 1940 that requires “alien registration.”

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