This case challenges the creation of a universal immigration registration-and-carry scheme for the purposes of facilitating mass deportation. Under this new scheme, millions of noncitizens must register with the federal government, submit sensitive personal information about themselves and their families, and carry proof of registration at all times or face fines and jail. The federal government says that registration will allow it to more efficiently detain and deport people.

The government imposed this scheme without using notice-and-comment rulemaking under the Administrative Procedures Act, which is intended to give the public the opportunity to weigh in on new regulations that impose major changes to law. But a noncitizen registration scheme has major implications for all U.S. residents, whether citizen or immigrant, because it forces everyone to carry proof of citizenship or registration to avoid police harassment. So we’ve sued to enjoin the scheme’s enforcement until the public has an opportunity to weigh in on this major change to American public life.

Why is This a Key Case?

Government registration schemes are a favored tactic of totalitarian regimes. They give police near-unfettered discretion to harass civilians with retaliatory stops, searches, and demands for production of registration papers. In the United States, registration and carry schemes have historically been imposed to humiliate and subjugate racial and ethnic minorities, including Black people in antebellum America and Chinese immigrants in the late 1800s.

The new universal registration scheme continues this dark history by empowering police to stop anyone they believe is not “American enough,” profiling people based on their race, the language they speak, or the neighborhood they live in.

What is the status of this case?

Pending in district court.

How can I get involved?

Join a sign-on comment opposing the new registration rule by clicking here.

March 31, 2025

Additional Documents:

• Plaintiffs’ Motion For A Stay Of Effective Date Under 5 U.S.C. § 705 Or, In The Alternative, Preliminary Injunction And Request For Expedited Consideration
• Memorandum Of Points And Authorities
• [Proposed] Order Granting Plaintiffs’ Motion For Stay Of Effective Dates
• Declaration Of Angelica Salas
• Declaration Of Elizabeth Strater
• Declaration Of George Escobar
• Declaration Of Sienna Fontaine