Indian H1-B, green card holders need to carry ID 24/7? What new US rule says

Any immigrant in the United States, even those who are there legally on a work or study visa, is now required to carry proof of their legal status 24x7. This was announced by the Donald Trump administration as a US court allowed it to enforce a contentious rule requiring illegal immigrants in the US to register with the government and carry documentation.

The rule, part of Trump's executive order - 'Protecting the American People Against Invasion', came into effect on April 11. It is the latest in a string of swift moves by the eccentric US President to crack down on illegal immigration and deport millions living illegally.

The Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) traces its origins to the Alien Registration Act of 1940. The 1940 law also required immigrants in the US to register, but it was never consistently enforced. The new rules will ensure strict enforcement.

But, who will all have to register with the government? Will Indian H1-B and green card holders also have to register? What are the rules? Here is all you need to know about the new registration rule.

Basically, the new requirement mainly impacts illegal or undocumented immigrants. All non-citizens above 14 years of age who remain in the US for 30 days or more have to mandatorily register with the government by filling "Form G-325R". Parents will have to register those who are under 14.

Moreover, those arriving in the US on or after April 11 have to register within 30 days of arrival. Those failing to comply may be fined, imprisoned, or both.

RULES FOR H1-B VISA, GREEN CARD HOLDERS

However, those with a valid visa (work or study) or holding a green card are considered to have already registered and won't have to fill in the form again. Thus, Indian nationals with an H1-B visa or international students, a major chunk of whom are Indians, won't have to register.

However, they will have to carry documentation with them round the clock and will have to furnish it when asked by authorities.

"All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation (registration proof) at all times. The administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritise enforcement. There will be no sanctuary for noncompliance," Kristi Noem, DHS secretary, said in a statement.

There are around 5.4 million Indians in the United States. According to 2022 data, there are 2,20,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the US. This constitutes just 2% of the total number of illegal immigrants.