WASHINGTON — The American Immigration Council (AIC) and a coalition of civil rights organizations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem, challenging a recently enacted rule requiring millions of non-citizens to register with the federal government and carry proof of registration at all times—or face criminal prosecution.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues the Trump administration’s policy—activated under a long-dormant World War II-era law—bypassed mandatory public comment periods and could lead to widespread racial profiling, bureaucratic chaos, and unconstitutional overreach.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
Lack of Public Input: DHS fast-tracked the rule as a “procedural” change, avoiding required public feedback despite its sweeping impact.
Vague Enforcement: The rule fails to clarify which immigrants qualify as “registered,” creating confusion for recipients of DACA, TPS, and other protections.
Criminalization of Noncompliance: Violations are now a federal enforcement priority, with Secretary Noem stating the intent is to pressure “self-deportation.”
Coalition of Plaintiffs and Legal Partners
The suit is backed by groups including:
- ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- RFK Human Rights
- United Farm Workers (UFW)
- Make the Road New York
Critics: Rule Echoes Authoritarian Tactics
Advocates condemned the policy as a dangerous departure from American values:
Michelle Lapointe (AIC Legal Director): “This forces a ‘show me your papers’ reality, where anyone perceived as an immigrant risks arrest. The U.S. is not a ‘carry your papers’ country.”
Anthony Enriquez (RFK Human Rights): “Registration schemes are tools of authoritarian regimes—meant to intimidate and criminalize. The public was denied a voice in this radical shift.”
Nicholas Espíritu (NILC): “History shows this path leads to internment. We cannot normalize scapegoating communities.”
Industry and Labor Warnings
Ben Johnson (AILA): Predicted “rampant racial profiling,” including wrongful targeting of U.S. citizens.
Teresa Romero (UFW): Vowed to fight the “unlawful criminalization of existence” on Cesar Chavez Day.
Next Steps
The plaintiffs seek an injunction to block the rule, arguing it violates administrative procedures and constitutional rights. The complaint is available [here] (link).
Background: The rule revives a 1940 Alien Registration Act provision, marking the first mass registration demand since post-9/11 programs targeting Muslim and Arab men. Critics warn it could expand deportation efforts while straining law enforcement resources.
Editors’ Note: Quotes have been condensed for clarity without altering meaning. The Trump administration has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
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