All ‘aliens’, Indian H1-B, F1 student visa holders must carry ID 24x7: New US immigration rule

NEW DELHI: The US government under President Donald Trump has reiterated that all foreign nationals, including Indians with H1-B visa, F-1 student visas, green card holders, should carry their ID 24x7. Failing to comply with the rule is considered a “crime”, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced.

All foreign nationals present in the country for longer than 30 days should register under the “Alien Registration Act” through the official portal, uscis.gov/alienregistration. Aliens here refers to all foreign nationals.

“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 DHS secretary Kristi Noem said.

“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,” Noem added.

The decision was made as part of the Executive Order 14159 issued by Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, for ”Protecting the American People Against Invasion”.  The order requires non-Americans to register with the government to restore order and accountability to US immigration system.

Also read Indian students in US must comply with local laws: MEA

What happens if Indians don’t carry ID 24X7?

The law states: “All aliens 14 years of age or older, who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration.” This includes, Indian students planning to study in the US.

Failing to comply with the order or not carrying the ID card is considered a crime publishable by fines, imprisonment or both.

US Immigration Rule: How to avoid fines, jail?

The new rule came into effect on April 11, 2025. Upon registration, non-Americans, 18 years or older, should carry ID with them all the time.

Present in the US for 30 days or more, without registration evidence: Register immediately via USCIS, uscis.gov/alienregistration.

Entering on or after April 11, 2025, without registration evidence - Register within 30 days of arrival.

Turning 14 years in the US: Re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of your 14th birthday, even if previously registered.

Parents or guardians of minors under 14 : Register minors if they remain in the US for 30 days or longer.

“This administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance,” the official order read.