Foreign Nationals Told to ‘Leave Now and Self-Deport’ as U.S. Cracks Down on Illegal Stay

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration has issued a directive requiring all foreign nationals staying in the country for over 30 days to register with federal authorities—or face severe penalties.

In an official post shared via social media platform X, the DHS emphasized that failure to register with the federal government after a 30-day stay in the U.S. constitutes a criminal offense. The agency warned that violators could face fines and imprisonment, adding: “Foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days must register… Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.”

The message, tagged directly to President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem, further instructed undocumented immigrants to “LEAVE NOW and self-deport,” positioning the policy as part of the administration’s broader enforcement push.

While the mandate does not directly affect individuals legally residing in the U.S. on visas such as H-1B work permits or student visas, immigration experts warn that it reflects a broader tightening of immigration enforcement. For example, H-1B visa holders who lose their employment but remain in the country beyond their grace period may now be at heightened risk of enforcement action.

“This is a clear message that even those on legal visas must remain vigilant and compliant with the terms of their stay,” said a U.S.-based immigration attorney.

In a post titled “Message to Illegal Aliens,” DHS outlined the benefits of voluntary self-deportation. The department claimed the process is “safe,” allowing individuals to choose their own departure flights, retain lawfully earned income, and preserve the possibility of future legal immigration.

Moreover, the government hinted at financial assistance for eligible individuals unable to afford travel costs, potentially offering subsidized flights in specific cases.

The DHS laid out strict consequences for those who remain in the U.S. unlawfully:

• $998 daily fines for individuals who overstay after receiving a final removal order.

• $1,000–$5,000 penalties for those who fail to self-deport after committing to do so.

• Jail time for continued non-compliance.

• Permanent bars from future entry into the U.S. through legal immigration channels.

The new policy has sparked a wave of concern among immigrant communities and rights organizations, many of whom fear the escalation in enforcement could lead to undue targeting or profiling.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws closer, immigration remains a defining issue—and this latest policy move further signals the Trump administration’s intent to reassert firm control over border and visa regulations.