California Woman Faces Hefty Fines from Homeland Security
A Southern California woman is grappling with a staggering fine exceeding $1.8 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for her continued presence in the U.S. without legal status. This comes despite her persistent 13-year effort to secure lawful permanent residency.
Shocking Notification
The woman, who requested anonymity over safety concerns, received a letter on Friday detailing the fine. “I was shocked,” she commented. “When I read the $1.82 million figure, it felt surreal.”
Background of Undocumented Status
Originally from Mexico, the woman entered the United States at the age of 13. She was granted a voluntary departure order in 2003, necessitating her exit from the country. However, she remained unaware of the order for a decade until immigration officials sought her out in 2013, prompting her to initiate the status adjustment process.
Persistent Legal Battle
“I have been pursuing this case ever since,” she stated. “I’ve been fighting for years to do the right thing.” Immigration attorney William Menard remarked that her case is particularly noteworthy due to her lack of a criminal history and her long-standing efforts to resolve her immigration status.
Family Connections to Citizenship
Menard highlighted that the woman’s father and her three adult children are U.S. citizens, currently in the process of applying for green cards through family connections. “Resolving these issues takes considerable time,” he explained. “Her application necessitates multiple exemptions, and each requires years for government processing—often leaving cases on hold for extended periods.”
Policy Changes from DHS
In June, DHS enacted policy changes aimed at increasing fines for individuals with deportation orders, elevating penalties to $998 per day for those who remain in the U.S. post-order. A DHS spokesperson clarified that pending green card applications do not confer legal status, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to upholding immigration laws.
Struggles with Financial Burden
Menard noted that the original voluntary departure order had established a maximum fine of $5,000. Although DHS permitted her continued residence while her case awaits resolution within a backlogged system, the unexpected fine poses a substantial financial burden. The woman, employed as a house cleaner, expressed her inability to pay such a steep penalty. “They understand that people can’t afford nearly $2 million in fines,” Menard added.
Lawsuit Against DHS and Political Reactions
Two individuals facing similar fines have initiated a class-action lawsuit in Massachusetts, claiming the fines are unconstitutional and would lead to catastrophic debt. California Senator Alex Padilla criticized the DHS’s actions as a tactic to instill fear and drive individuals away from the country, asserting that many working families are already struggling.
The Broader Impact on Immigrants
This punitive approach has ignited fears among many undocumented immigrants. As Menard noted, the threat of fines could coerce individuals into leaving, further complicating their efforts to achieve legal status. The Southern California woman echoed this sentiment, stating, “I don’t understand why they’re targeting us when we are trying to do things the right way.” With annual tax obligations and unwavering hard work, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a stable future in the U.S.
