New Process to Fine Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on June 27, 2025, a new federal regulation that changes the process for imposing fines on undocumented immigrants. This measure aims to streamline and simplify current procedures, strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws in the country.

What changes with the new rule?

The main change is the removal of the requirement to notify immigrants 30 days in advance about the intention to impose a fine. From now on, DHS can send notifications directly by mail, which shortens the process and allows for faster enforcement of penalties.

Additionally, a shorter procedure will be established for immigrants who wish to contest the fines they receive. This aims to optimize immigration system resources and reduce administrative processing times.

Also read: “U.S. Ends TPS for Haiti”

Who does this measure apply to?

The new fine process is directed at:

• People who enter the United States illegally.
• Those who do not comply with deportation orders or delay their execution.
• Those who fail to respect voluntary departure agreements issued by immigration judges.

What are the fines?

The economic penalties established by the new regulation include:

• Between $100 and $500 for illegal entry or attempted unauthorized entry.
• Between $1,992 and $9,970 for failing to comply with a voluntary departure order.
• Up to $998 per day for deliberately disobeying a deportation order.

These fines aim to deter noncompliance with immigration rules and strengthen enforcement of judicial decisions in immigration matters.

Incentives for voluntary departure

Undocumented immigrants who initiate a voluntary self-deportation process through the official CBP Home platform may benefit from full cancellation of fines or civil penalties related to their unauthorized stay in the country.

Since June 13, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued around 10,000 fine notifications as part of the relaunch of this policy, which was reactivated at the start of President Trump’s second term.

Conclusion

The new immigration rule promoted by DHS and DOJ marks an important shift in the approach to applying financial penalties to undocumented immigrants. The main goal is to improve system efficiency, ensure compliance with the law, and encourage voluntary departures through digital tools like CBP Home.

From: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/06/27/dhs-and-doj-announce-streamlined-process-fining-illegal-aliens 

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