The United States government has imposed a fine of nearly $1.8 million on a Hispanic immigrant residing in Maryland for failing to comply with a deportation order issued in 2020.
According to the affected individual, who spoke with CBS News, the notification states that he must pay $1,771,450, an amount he considers very high given his annual salary of $50,000, with which he supports his three children.
According to Univisión, the immigrant expressed his concern about the possibility of losing the assets he has earned through hard work, such as his home and vehicles.
Furthermore, he expressed his wish for the authorities to focus their efforts on deporting criminals and allowing hardworking individuals dedicated to their families to remain in the country.
“I hope all of this passes and this man, Donald Trump, can remove criminals from the country and let the honest people who dedicate themselves to working and being there for their families stay.”, stated the affected individual.
The sanction is part of a immigration policy that imposes fines of $998 per day on those who do not comply with deportation orders. These fines can accumulate retroactively for up to five years, potentially resulting in amounts exceeding one million dollars.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that, in case of non-payment of fines, the government could proceed to seize assets and properties of those affected.
The immigrant has 30 days to appeal the notification of the fine, although it has not yet been determined what the DHS's response will be.
Another case that has come to light is that of a 41-year-old undocumented Honduran mother, residing in Florida and with three American children, who is facing a civil penalty of 1.82 million dollars for having ignored a deportation order issued in 2005.
According to information revealed by CBS News, the official notification was delivered on May 9th. It demands the payment of 500 dollars a day for the 20 years that he has remained in the country after failing to attend an immigration hearing in 2005.
Her lawyer, Michelle Sánchez, states that her client has lived peacefully since then, without any criminal record, and that her deportation would cause "extreme hardship" for her children.
Sánchez has filed an appeal to reopen the case and is seeking to overturn the sanction, claiming that ICE did not adequately inform his client about the legal consequences of remaining in the country.
Legal framework and law enforcement
The lawyer Armando Olmedo, immigration advising vice president of Univisión, explained that the law imposes fines on those who "willfully refuse to comply with a removal order."
The measure is based on the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, a legal framework that has been reactivated to impose civil penalties on those who remain in the U.S. without authorization.
According to Olmedo, since February 25, the DHS has implemented daily fines of $998 for undocumented immigrants who:
- Do not report the change of address.
- Do not register on the federal agency's website.
- Do not comply with deportation orders.
As of today, more than 4,500 people have received these notifications. Although it is unclear how the asset seizure will proceed, the federal government has warned that, in case of non-payment, it may initiate the process to confiscate properties, just as it does with any civil debt.
Olmedo recommended that those facing these situations prepare legally by granting power of attorney to a trusted person who can take care of their assets in the event of deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fines for Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.
Why are fines imposed on undocumented immigrants who do not comply with deportation orders?
Fines are imposed as part of an immigration policy aimed at ensuring compliance with deportation orders. Under the Trump administration, daily penalties of up to $998 were established for those who do not leave the country voluntarily. These measures, based on the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, aim to discourage illegal stay and can accumulate retroactively, leading to significant amounts.
What consequences do immigrants face for not paying imposed fines?
If immigrants do not pay the fines, the government may proceed to seize goods and properties. This measure is applied as with any other civil debt, and may include the confiscation of wages, cars, and other assets. The aim is to ensure compliance with the penalties by applying economic pressure on those affected.
Is it possible to appeal fines for violating deportation orders?
Immigrants have 30 days to appeal the notification of a fine. This process allows those affected to challenge the sanction and seek its annulment. However, it is advisable to have legal counsel to avoid the risks of immediate deportation during personal interviews with ICE.
How can immigrants facing fines or deportation prepare legally?
It is advisable for immigrants to prepare legally by granting power of attorney to a trusted individual. This allows someone to manage their assets in the event of deportation. Additionally, it is important to seek legal advice to explore all available options and minimize legal and economic consequences.
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