Trump Administration's Use of Fines and Lawsuits to Pressure Migrants into 'Self-Deportation'

Escalating Pressure Campaign Against Undocumented Immigrants

• 🎯 The Trump administration is escalating a campaign against undocumented immigrants, targeting those who have been working and paying taxes for years.
• ⚖️ A rarely enforced law from 30 years ago is now being used to sue migrants, with the threat of astronomical fines if they do not leave the country.

Astronomical Fines and Their Impact

• 💰 One individual received a notice for a $1.8 million fine, accrued over decades, which attorneys state could decimate a business or lead to bankruptcy.
• 💡 The intention behind these fines is to pressure migrants into self-deportation, as they may not have been aware of accumulating fines.

Unfair Application of Removal Orders

• ⚠️ Many individuals are unaware of deportation orders because they may not have been taken to court, making it extremely unfair to receive large bills for unknown offenses.
• ⏳ The administration is leveraging a law that allows fines of up to $1,000 per day and has reduced the appeal window to just 15 days.

Department of Homeland Security Actions

• 📊 The Department of Homeland Security has issued nearly 7,000 fines, totaling $1.9 billion.
• ✈️ A message to those in the country illegally urges them to leave now or face consequences, suggesting the use of the CBP Home app to fly home for free and receive a $1,000 stipend.
• 😟 Immigration attorneys report seeing fear, anxiety, and a sense of defeat among migrants facing these pressures, with some feeling there is no point in fighting the orders.