Listen to the article
In a significant legal challenge to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, a lawsuit was filed Thursday against the federal government on behalf of immigrants facing daily penalties that can accumulate to as much as $1.8 million per person for remaining in the United States illegally.
Filed in Massachusetts by legal advocacy groups including The Legal Aid Society, the lawsuit seeks class-action status to represent over 21,500 immigrants who collectively face more than $6 billion in fines. According to the filing, these immigrants were attempting to comply with federal immigration laws when they received the financial penalties.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that these “ruinous civil fines” of $998 per day are “grossly disproportionate to the gravity” of any immigration violations, making them unconstitutional. The lawsuit was specifically filed on behalf of two immigrant women but aims to represent thousands in similar situations.
“The people we serve are doing exactly what the law requires — pursuing legal relief through immigration courts and immigration agencies,” said Hasan Shafiqullah, a supervising attorney with The Legal Aid Society. “In return, the government is threatening to seize their wages, cars, even their homes.”
One of the plaintiffs, identified only as Nancy M. to protect her from potential retribution, received a bill for approximately $1.8 million earlier this year. According to court documents, the amount appears to have been calculated based on daily $998 fines accumulated over five years. Despite having an “order of supervision” and meeting annually with immigration officials as part of her efforts to become a legal permanent resident, she was still instructed to leave the country and subsequently fined.
The Department of Homeland Security quickly dismissed the lawsuit as “just another attempt to nullify federal immigration law through activist litigation.” In a statement, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said, “The plaintiffs in this case are here illegally and are suing so they can remain in the country illegally without any consequence or penalty – contrary to decades-old federal law.”
The lawsuit comes amid a series of stringent immigration enforcement measures implemented since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. In February, the Department of Homeland Security announced that immigrants in the country illegally could face “significant financial penalty” if they chose not to self-deport.
At that time, McLaughlin stated that Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem “have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now,” adding that “the Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws — we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce.”
These fines represent one of several aggressive policy shifts in immigration enforcement under the second Trump administration. Immigration advocates argue that such penalties create insurmountable financial burdens for immigrants, many of whom are seeking legal pathways to remain in the country through existing channels.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement and advocates’ concerns about due process and proportional consequences for immigration violations. Legal experts note that the outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact how financial penalties are applied in immigration cases moving forward.
As the legal battle unfolds, thousands of immigrants remain in limbo, facing potential financial ruin from accumulating daily fines while navigating complex immigration proceedings to regularize their status.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
14 Comments
I’m curious to learn more about the specifics of this case and the legal arguments being made. Fines of this magnitude seem highly problematic and could set a dangerous precedent if allowed to stand. I’ll be following this story closely.
Agreed. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for immigration policies and the rights of vulnerable individuals. It’s an important case to watch.
While immigration is a complex and sensitive issue, using excessive fines to deter overstaying seems like an overly harsh tactic that could further marginalize these immigrants. I’m curious to see how the courts rule on the constitutionality of these penalties.
Good point. The government should find more constructive ways to address immigration violations that don’t involve such crippling financial penalties, especially for those trying to comply with the law.
This is a concerning case. Imposing million-dollar fines on immigrants trying to comply with immigration laws seems excessively punitive and likely unconstitutional. I hope the lawsuit succeeds in protecting the rights of these vulnerable individuals.
Agreed. The government should focus on fair, humane enforcement of immigration policies, not exploitative fines that could financially ruin families.
As an investor in mining and energy, I’m interested to see how this case could impact related industries that rely on immigrant labor. While immigration is a complex issue, these fines seem disproportionate and could disrupt economic activities.
That’s a good point. Overly punitive immigration policies could have ripple effects on various industries and the broader economy. A more balanced approach would likely be better for all stakeholders.
As someone invested in the mining and commodities sector, I’m concerned about the potential economic impacts of these heavy-handed fines. Disruptions to the immigrant workforce could create labor shortages and disrupt supply chains. I hope the courts rule in favor of the plaintiffs.
That’s a valid concern. Maintaining a stable, legal workforce is crucial for industries like mining and energy. Overly punitive immigration policies could have unintended consequences that harm the economy as a whole.
While I understand the government’s desire to enforce immigration laws, these million-dollar fines seem grossly disproportionate and likely unconstitutional. I hope the courts provide relief to the plaintiffs and set a precedent against such exploitative practices.
Well said. Protecting the rights of immigrants, even those who have violated immigration laws, is important for upholding the rule of law and maintaining a fair, humane society.
This lawsuit highlights the need for immigration reform that balances security concerns with compassion. Imposing million-dollar fines on individuals appears to be an abuse of power and could have devastating consequences for immigrant families.
I share your concerns. The government should focus on policies that are fair, practical, and respect the dignity of all people, regardless of immigration status.