The United States government has imposed a nearly $1 million fine (about $941,114) on an immigrant who failed to leave the country after receiving a final deportation order, according to court documents. The civil lawsuit was filed in federal court in Virginia, seeking payment of the fine plus accumulated interest.
The woman had been ordered to depart the United States on July 1, 2019, but after failing to comply, authorities initiated civil action against her, applying a daily penalty under existing immigration laws. The sanction is based on a legal framework that allows financial penalties for individuals who deliberately ignore a final removal order.
This case highlights a tougher approach by the U.S. immigration system, which is increasingly seeking to enforce deportation orders through severe financial sanctions when deadlines are not respected.
Why is the fine so high?
Because it is calculated on a daily basis from the moment the departure deadline expired, allowing the amount to grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years.