Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, utilizing all available legal tools to penalize individuals residing in the United States illegally.
In a statement, DHS outlined Secretary Noem’s directive, emphasizing that the agency will employ a range of measures to ensure compliance with immigration laws. “Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security will fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which provides multiple tools to track and compel the departure of individuals residing in the country illegally,” the statement read. “These tools include criminal penalties for certain individuals who willfully fail to depart the United States, fail to register with the federal government and be fingerprinted, or fail to notify the federal government of changes to their address.”
The DHS release underscored the legal consequences of noncompliance. “Failure to depart the U.S. is a crime that could result in a significant financial penalty. Failure to register is a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. For decades, this law has been ignored—but no longer,” the statement warned.
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“Compelling voluntary departure is a safer path for both individuals and law enforcement, and it saves U.S. taxpayer dollars, in addition to conserving valuable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources needed to keep Americans safe,” the release explained.
A DHS spokesperson reinforced the administration’s stance, stating, “Secretary Noem has a clear message for those in our country illegally: depart now. If you depart now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”
The spokesperson added, “This administration will enforce all immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws to enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
