The Fine for Staying Illegally in the U.S.

https://youtube.com/shorts/P04YJAPKuck

A law that has existed for decades just cost a Cuban immigrant in Arizona nearly $2 million dollars.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the U.S. government has the authority to impose fines of up to $998 for each day a person remains in the country without complying with a removal order. These penalties accumulate over time, and the results can be devastating.

This is not new — it is a law that has been in effect for decades. But since 2025, the current administration has aggressively revived its enforcement. In just the last few months, authorities have issued nearly 10,000 notices to people with pending removal orders.

The case raising alarm:

A Cuban immigrant in Phoenix, Arizona, received a fine notice for nearly $2 million dollars over a removal order from 2010. His situation: he claims he was never notified of that order because at the time he was serving a sentence in a state prison. Court records support his account.

This case is not isolated. There are thousands of people who may not even know they have an active removal order — and against whom fines are accruing right now.

Why could this affect you?

If you ever had an immigration process that did not conclude properly, if you received a notice you did not understand, or if you simply have questions about your current immigration status, it is essential that you consult with an immigration attorney now.

Time is not on your side in these cases. But if you were not properly notified of your proceedings, there may be a legal opportunity to reopen your case.

Do not let a lack of information cost you millions. Contact us today for a thorough review of your situation.