If you’re an unlawful US immigrant, or better still, have such a friend, take heed. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is issuing a real threat to individuals who stay in the country after they’ve been issued a final order of deportation. And the threat is you’ll be charged anything up to almost $1,000 a day if you don’t depart voluntarily when they tell you to.
Let’s put it in simple, plain English.
Why DHS is doing this now
It’s well-timed considering the Department of Homeland Security is struggling to accelerate deportations and rush cases. DHS is already offering a $1,000 reward for illegal aliens who voluntarily self-deport, and now another reward: waived civil penalties and fines if you do it their way.
What all of this amounts to is that, rather than forcing individuals to remain in a soiled legal fight, DHS is offering an opt-out alternative—the option to complete their cases quickly and securely.
You are warned that if you fail to leave, daily fines can be charged.
Here’s an interesting fact: This is no gentle “self-deportation”—it’s a threat. If you stay in the USA after a final deportation order is issued and don’t comply with DHS orders to leave, you can be fined up to almost $1,000 for each day that you stay in the country.
This is true for those who violate a final order of removal, as well as for those who remain behind after an era of voluntary departure.
The price is hefty money fines that accumulate very rapidly. More than 9,000 people have already received such warnings, for a total of some $3 billion in penalties, as estimated by DHS.
Read this later:
DHS’s other incentives: Waivers of fines and free departure
To incentivize people not to accept such enormous amounts of money and instead opt for a better option, DHS now provides incentives for voluntary departure.
When you apply to leave through the CBP Home App, you can qualify for:
- Waive all civil penalties: This allows you to withdraw any outstanding penalties.
- Get a $1,000 departure incentive: The government will pay you to return home.
- Fly back home for free: Your return ticket will be reimbursed, and this assures your safe return without any expense to you.
Most important tip: Talk to a lawyer first
You just need to consult with an immigration attorney before you ever make a decision. An attorney will let you know what you need to do and how to get it done. That way, you will never be in any type of trouble later on in case you need to re-enter the USA legally.
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Final thoughts
DHS is offering an alternative—the chance to legalize your status logically and securely. If you, or the one you care about, are in this situation, take action. The incentives will allow you to escape tremendous fines and offer a means toward a future. No matter what you do, get professional legal advice beforehand.
