The US government has issued a stark ultimatum to undocumented foreign nationals: leave voluntarily within 30 days or face steep fines and jail time. The announcement came from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the DHS warned that non-citizens living in the US without proper clearance must register with federal authorities. Failure to do so could result in criminal penalties, including daily fines of up to $998, prison sentences, and a lifetime ban on legal immigration.
The message, tagged with both President Trump and DHS Secretary Krishi Noem’s offices, was titled “Message to Illegal Aliens.” It emphasized that self-deportation is a safer and more beneficial option for undocumented immigrants, allowing them to avoid a criminal record and keep their earnings if they leave before facing charges.
The directive comes on the heels of a court ruling allowing the Trump administration to enforce a policy requiring all undocumented immigrants to register and carry documentation.
While legal visa holders are not directly affected, the administration warned that H-1B workers who lose their jobs and international students who violate visa terms could be at risk if they overstay. Those who declare an intent to leave but fail to follow through could be fined up to $5,000, and may even face jail.
DHS also offered assistance, including subsidized travel for those unable to afford a ticket back to their home countries, as part of its push for voluntary departures.
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This latest crackdown is part of Trump’s broader efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and has drawn both support and criticism amid rising political tensions in the lead-up to the G20 summit and the 2026 elections.