Trump Admin Looks to Charge Some Immigrants $18k to Deport Them
Summary
The Trump administration plans to increase the fine for immigrants who miss court hearings and are later deported from $5,130 to $18,000. This change aims to cover the costs of deportation and encourage immigrants to attend their hearings, as missed hearings have greatly increased in recent years.Key Facts
- The proposed fine increase is from $5,130 to $18,000 for immigrants who fail to appear at immigration court hearings.
- This fine applies after an immigration judge issues an in absentia removal order, meaning the person is deported when they do not show up.
- The number of missed immigration hearings rose from about 62,500 in 2022 to an estimated 309,700 in 2025.
- The higher fine is meant to help pay the costs of locating, detaining, and deporting people who miss hearings.
- The new fine proposal is open for public comment for 30 days starting May 20.
- Some immigrants might pay the fine all at once, in payments, or include it in fees if they try to come back to the U.S. later.
- Experts worry the $18,000 fine could be a heavy financial burden and question how well the government can enforce it.
- Reasons for missing hearings include delayed court backlogs, outdated mail addresses, lack of legal help, and fear of ICE arrests at courts.
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