4,500 Migrants Face Fines Up to $1.8 Million: What You Need to Know

Wendy Ortiz recently received a shocking notice: U.S. immigration authorities were fining her $1.8 million for being in the country illegally. Wendy, 32, works at a meatpacking plant in Pennsylvania, earning just $13 an hour. As a single mother of an autistic 6-year-old, her salary is barely enough to cover her family’s basic needs.

Wendy fled El Salvador to escape a violent relationship and gang threats. “It’s not fair,” she says. “Where is someone going to find that much money?”

Recently, the Trump administration has ramped up efforts to fine migrants who don’t leave the U.S. after receiving deportation orders. Reports indicate that around 4,500 migrants have been notified, with total fines exceeding $500 million. According to immigration lawyers, penalties range from thousands to millions, based on how long individuals remained in the country after their orders.

This approach is part of a broader strategy to encourage what the administration calls “self-deportation.” The fines, which can be retroactive for up to five years, can amount to $998 per day for migrants who don’t leave after receiving a deportation order. There’s also talk about seizing property from those who fail to pay, although the process for collecting these fines remains unclear.

The legal basis for these fines stems from a 1996 law. However, it wasn’t until Trump took office that it started being enforced widely. A New York immigration lawyer, Robert Scott, expressed disbelief when a long-time resident client was handed a fine of $1.8 million. Having lived in the U.S. for 25 years, she was unaware of a final deportation order issued against her back in 2013.

Ortiz’s situation highlights the struggle many face. She was released after crossing the border in 2015 due to credible fears for her safety, but she never received notice of her court hearing, leading to her deportation order in 2018. Her lawyer has filed for humanitarian relief, stressing the danger she faces if returned to El Salvador and the lack of services for her son.

These fines are affecting many, including spouses of U.S. citizens who are actively seeking to legalize their status. For example, a woman in New York, Rosa, is worried about her Honduran husband, who received a $5,000 fine after being granted voluntary departure in 2018. “It’s one thing after the other,” she lamented, highlighting the financial strain such immigration processes can cause.

Recent statistics show that in 2023, over 1.4 million migrants in the U.S. have faced similar deportation orders. This approach to immigration has drawn criticism, with many calling it unjust, particularly for those who are trying to navigate the complicated legal system. The situation underlines a point made by immigration advocates: the system is overwhelming, and tricky for vulnerable individuals.

As discussions about immigration policy continue, these growing fines serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many migrants. The experiences of people like Wendy Ortiz showcase not just individual struggles but also broader implications for families and communities.



Source link