"Undocumented Immigrant in Florida Faces $1.82 Million Fine for Overstaying Removal Order"
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"Undocumented Immigrant in Florida Faces $1.82 Million Fine for Overstaying Removal Order"
[!CDATA[An undocumented immigrant in Florida is facing a hefty fine of over $1.82 million for not leaving the country after receiving a removal order two decades ago. The 41-year-old woman, a mother of three, has been charged $500 for each day she has stayed in the U.S. since the order was issued in 2005, totaling $1,821,350. This case involves the enforcement of civil fines outlined in the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates undocumented immigrants to register with the U.S. government. The Trump administration announced plans to penalize those living in the U.S. illegally under the immigration act earlier this year. The woman's removal order was issued in 2005 when she failed to appear at a court hearing. Her attorney filed a motion in 2024 to reopen the case, arguing she was eligible for U.S. residency due to her long stay in the country with no criminal record. The woman also has three U.S. citizen children who would face extreme hardships if she were deported. Under the Biden administration, ICE attorneys were given the discretion to reopen cases to lift removal orders, but many requests were left pending. ICE informed the woman's attorney that they could not reopen her case due to lack of guidance from the previous administration. The attorney mentioned an increase in ICE fines for clients staying illegally in the country, with this million-dollar fine being a first. The notice sent to the woman allows her to contest the fine and request a personal interview for that purpose. Her attorney advises individuals to consult with their immigration lawyer before taking any action. The attorney plans to appeal the fine, stating that the woman was not informed of the consequences of not leaving the U.S. after the removal order was issued. In conclusion, the undocumented immigrant in Florida is facing a substantial fine for overstaying her removal order, highlighting the enforcement of civil fines under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The case underscores the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and the importance of seeking legal counsel in such situations.]]