Immigrants Challenge $1.8 Million Fines Imposed for Remaining in U.S.

WASHINGTON — November 21, 2025 — A group of immigrants who were fined up to $1.8 million for remaining in the United States without authorization has filed a lawsuit challenging the penalties, arguing that the fines were unjustly imposed despite their efforts to comply with federal immigration regulations.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, targets policies enacted during the Trump administration that imposed steep financial penalties on immigrants who overstayed their visas or remained in the country without legal status. According to court documents and statements from the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the fines were levied against individuals who had made attempts to regularize their status or who faced complex legal and procedural barriers.

Officials said the fines, which could reach as high as $1.8 million for some individuals, were part of a broader effort to deter unauthorized immigration and enforce existing laws more rigorously. The penalties were based on a formula that multiplied daily fines over extended periods of unlawful presence.

The plaintiffs contend that the fines are excessive and violate due process rights, noting that many of those affected had pursued available legal remedies or were caught in administrative delays beyond their control. Their legal team argues that the penalties amount to an unlawful punishment that exacerbates the hardships faced by immigrants.

The Trump administration had emphasized strict enforcement of immigration laws, including the use of financial penalties as a deterrent. However, critics have said the approach disproportionately harmed vulnerable immigrants and failed to account for the complexities of immigration status adjustments.

The lawsuit seeks to have the fines overturned and to establish clearer guidelines for how penalties are assessed and enforced. It also calls for a review of cases where immigrants were fined despite demonstrating good-faith efforts to comply with immigration requirements.

Immigration advocates have expressed support for the lawsuit, saying it highlights the need for a more fair and humane immigration system. They argue that punitive measures like these fines can lead to undue financial hardship and hinder immigrants’ ability to integrate and contribute to society.

The Department of Justice has not issued a public response to the lawsuit as of this writing. Legal experts say the case could have significant implications for how immigration enforcement policies are applied in the future, particularly regarding the use of financial penalties.

The case comes amid ongoing national debates over immigration policy and enforcement, with lawmakers and advocacy groups pushing for reforms that balance border security with protections for immigrants.

As the lawsuit proceeds, courts will examine whether the fines imposed align with constitutional protections and federal immigration statutes. The outcome could influence future enforcement practices and the treatment of immigrants who remain in the country without authorization but have sought to comply with the law.