Trump plan to require illegal immigrants to register with feds can go forward: judge

On Thursday, a federal judge ruled that illegal immigrants in the US must register with the federal government and carry documentation.

According to Fox News, Judge Trevor Neil McFadden sided with the White House after its lawyers argued that the Trump administration was enforcing an existing requirement for everyone in the US who isn’t a citizen. McFadden ruled that the plaintiffs did not have standing to pursue their claims, and the ruling is scheduled to go into effect on Friday.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Friday is the deadline to register for anyone who has been in the country for 30 days or more.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement, "President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream. The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws — we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans."

The DHS previously warned illegal immigrants that they should leave the US or face serious consequences, such as enforcement of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to track illegal immigrants and compel them to voluntarily leave the country, or face criminal penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.

Registration is mandatory for any illegal immigrant 14 and older and requires them to provide their fingerprints and address, as well as notify the federal government of changes to their address.