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DHS is now sending letters slapping people with fines of $998 per day — just for remaining in the United States after a final order of removal. And here’s the part that catches people off guard: it doesn’t matter if you’re actively pursuing immigration relief or if you have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The fine clock is ticking anyway. If you or someone you love has a removal order on file, don’t wait. The consequences are piling up fast, and the window to act is closing. Our immigration team at Tez Law P.C. is working with clients across the country right now — helping them understand their options and push back.
Background: What Are These $998/Day Fines and Where Do They Come From?
This isn’t a new law. Under INA Section 274D, the federal government has had the authority to impose civil monetary penalties on individuals who willfully fail to depart after a final removal order for a long time. The problem? They almost never used it — until now. Starting in 2026, DHS and ICE began systematically sending out penalty notices to people with outstanding removal orders. The math is brutal. Stay one month after receiving that notice? You could be looking at over $30,000 in fines. Stay a full year? That number surpasses $364,000. These aren’t hypotheticals. We’re seeing real people receive real notices — and the amounts accrue fast.
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What makes this especially alarming is the breadth of who is being targeted. DHS is not limiting these fines to individuals who have made no effort to comply. Reports confirm that letters have gone out to people who:
- Are actively appealing their removal order before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
- Have pending applications for asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status
- Hold a valid work permit (EAD) issued by USCIS
- Have U.S. citizen children or other significant family ties
- Have no criminal record and have lived in the U.S. for years or decades
The aggressive rollout of these fines is part of a broader enforcement strategy that also includes expanded deportation operations, increased use of immigration detainers, and efforts to strip certain protections like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
How This Affects Immigrants With Removal Orders Across the U.S.
If you received a removal order — whether it was issued years ago or recently — you are potentially in the crosshairs of this enforcement initiative. Here is what you need to understand about your situation:
A pending application does not automatically stop the fines. Many immigrants mistakenly believe that filing a new application for relief, such as a U-visa, VAWA petition, or motion to reopen, automatically protects them. It does not. Unless a court or immigration judge has issued a stay of removal, the removal order remains legally active, and DHS can assert that your departure obligation is ongoing.
Having a work permit does not eliminate your removal order. USCIS may issue an EAD while a separate removal order exists through the immigration court system. These are two different agencies operating under different legal frameworks. Your EAD does not cancel your removal order.
Long-term residents are not exempt. People who have lived in the United States for 10, 20, or even 30 years and have deep community roots are receiving these penalty letters. Duration of residence alone does not insulate you from these fines.
The fines can affect your financial future. Accumulated civil penalties can result in federal debt collection actions, wage garnishment, and could complicate future immigration applications, including any future path to lawful status.
Communities in California — including Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley, and beyond — are seeing the real-world impact of these enforcement actions. Families are being forced to make life-altering decisions under extreme pressure and, often, without proper legal counsel.
What You Should Do Right Now If You Have a Removal Order
Time is critical. The following steps can help you protect yourself and understand your legal position:
- Do not ignore any letter from DHS or ICE. Even if the language is confusing or the fine seems impossible, ignoring the notice does not make it go away. Every day of inaction is another $998 added to the total.
- Consult an experienced immigration attorney immediately. An attorney can review your specific case, determine whether a motion to reopen or reconsider is viable, evaluate whether you qualify for a stay of removal, and assess any available paths to relief.
- Request your complete immigration file. File a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with USCIS and ICE to obtain your full record. Understanding exactly what is documented about your case is essential before making any decisions.
- Explore a motion to reopen or reconsider. If there is new evidence, changed country conditions for asylum cases, or a legal error in your original case, a motion to reopen before the immigration court or BIA may be possible. If granted, this can stop removal proceedings and potentially restart your case.
- Assess voluntary departure options carefully. In limited circumstances, voluntary departure may reduce penalties or preserve eligibility for future immigration benefits — but this is a significant decision that must be made with legal guidance, as it has its own consequences.
- Do not travel internationally. Leaving the U.S. under a removal order can trigger multi-year or permanent bars to reentry, depending on your circumstances.
- Know your rights during any enforcement encounter. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Carry emergency contact information and know what to do if ICE comes to your door.
Every case is different. What worked for a neighbor or family member may not apply to your situation. Schedule a free consultation with our team to get a clear picture of where you stand.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Immigration Defense
At Tez Law P.C., managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) leads a team that is deeply committed to protecting the rights of immigrants navigating one of the most hostile enforcement environments in recent history. We handle immigration cases nationwide and understand both the legal complexity and the human reality of what our clients are facing.
Our approach is direct, strategic, and compassionate. We do not offer false hope, but we do fight hard for every available option. Whether you need representation before the immigration court, the BIA, or federal district court, we have the experience to advocate effectively on your behalf.
We also understand that immigration issues can intersect with other legal matters. If you have been injured or harassed during an enforcement action, our personal injury attorney team may be able to assist with related civil claims.
You deserve an attorney who will take your case seriously from day one. At Tez Law P.C., that is exactly what you get.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DHS really collect these fines, and what happens if I can’t pay?
Yes, the civil fines authorized under INA Section 274D are legally enforceable and can be referred to the U.S. Department of Treasury for collection. Uncollected fines can result in federal debt collection actions, including potential garnishment of wages or tax refunds. Accumulated fines may also complicate any future application for immigration benefits. That is why it is critical to consult with an immigration attorney before the fines accumulate further — there may be legal arguments or procedural options available to you that could limit your exposure.
I have a work permit and my asylum case is still pending. Can DHS still fine me?
Potentially, yes. A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a pending asylum application do not automatically cancel an existing final order of removal. These are processed through different legal channels. Unless an immigration judge or the BIA has issued a formal stay of removal, DHS may take the position that your removal obligation remains active. An attorney can help you determine whether a stay of removal or a motion to reopen could provide protection in your specific case.
What is a motion to reopen, and could it help me avoid these fines?
A motion to reopen asks an immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals to reexamine a previously decided case based on new facts, changed circumstances, or legal errors. If granted, it can suspend the final removal order and restart proceedings, which may halt DHS’s ability to impose or enforce departure-based fines. However, motions to reopen have strict deadlines and legal requirements, and not every case qualifies. Time is of the essence — contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible to evaluate whether this option is available to you.
The $998-per-day fine policy is not a threat to be dismissed or delayed — it is an active enforcement mechanism that is already affecting thousands of families across the United States. If you have a removal order, or if you are unsure whether one may exist in your immigration history, do not wait another day. Contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation and let our experienced immigration team help you understand your rights, your options, and the best path forward for you and your family.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.