US Implements $1,000 Daily Fines for Illegal Immigrants Noncompliance

The Trump administration has reinstated and expanded a stricter fining system targeting undocumented immigrants in the U.S., eliminating the previous 30-day notice period before fines are issued. Under the new rule, illegal entrants can be fined between $100 and $500 per unlawful entry, with fines reaching up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance with removal orders and up to nearly $10,000 for violating voluntary departure orders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasize that these fines aim to enforce immigration laws more effectively and encourage self-deportation, with the CBP Home app offering a pathway for voluntary departure that waives fines and provides travel assistance. Since the rule's reinstatement in Trump's second term, over 10,000 fine notices have been issued, amounting to billions in penalties. While proponents argue these measures enhance border security and law enforcement, critics highlight concerns about the practicality and fairness of collecting fines from undocumented migrants. This fining policy marks a continuation of President Trump's hardline immigration agenda, including expanded border militarization and construction of the border wall.