If you’ve received a government fine for being undocumented, such as a letter from the U.S. government demanding thousands of dollars for failing to register or for living in the country without legal status, you are not alone.
These letters, sometimes titled “Notice of Intention to Fine” or “Demand for Payment,” are often part of aggressive enforcement efforts meant to intimidate, pressure, or penalize undocumented immigrants. And while they may look official and threatening, you still have rights, and you may have options.
Why Did You Get This Letter?
The government has, in recent years, revived old enforcement tactics under immigration law provisions that allow them to issue civil fines to undocumented immigrants for:
- Remaining in the U.S. after a visa has expired
- Re-entering the U.S. without inspection
- Failing to depart under a voluntary departure order
- Failing to register as required by law (Form AR-11 or other alien registration rules)
These fines can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. This may be based on technical or outdated violations that occurred years ago even if you’ve built a stable life in the U.S. since then. In most cases, people have no idea what they’re being fined for or what to do about it. Many immigrants are surprised to receive these fines without warning, especially if they’ve had no prior contact with immigration enforcement.
It’s important to understand that receiving one of these notices doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of options.
Is This Legal?
Yes. Under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. immigration authorities can issue civil fines. But these fines are rarely enforced and are often used strategically as part of broader enforcement efforts.
The problem? Many people receive these notices without due process, without having a current case in immigration court, or without fully understanding their rights.
That’s where a lawyer comes in.
What Can You Do If You Receive One?
1. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it
This type of letter is serious, but it does not mean you’re being deported tomorrow. You usually have a limited time (often 30 days) to respond or contest the fine.
2. Contact an immigration attorney immediately
You have the right to fight the fine, challenge the evidence, and in many cases, file a waiver or negotiate a resolution. If you qualify for a green card, VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, asylum, or other legal status, this may be the time to act.
3. Review your immigration history
Do you have an old voluntary departure or removal order? Did you ever apply for relief and miss a court date? Are you eligible for something now that you weren’t before? These are questions your attorney will explore with you.
4. Explore ways to legalize your status
Even if you are currently undocumented, you may qualify to apply for legal status now, and doing so may help pause enforcement or eliminate future fines.
Responding to a government fine for being undocumented may also open the door to reviewing your eligibility for legal relief. In some cases, having U.S. citizen children, experiencing domestic abuse, or being a victim of crime may qualify you for humanitarian protections like VAWA, U visas, or asylum. Taking action now can prevent harsher enforcement later.
How Qazi Law Can Help
At Qazi Law, we represent immigrants across the U.S. who are dealing with:
- Fines or penalty letters
- Deportation threats
- Fear of immigration interviews
- Undocumented status despite years in the U.S.
We specialize in complex cases and offer confidential legal reviews to figure out your best path forward, even if you’ve been told “nothing can be done.” Whether you’ve received a letter, have a deportation history, or just want to understand your rights, you are not alone, and you are not powerless.
We can represent you remotely, in all 50 states. Call us today for a confidential case review at 630-504-0648 or schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Farrah.
Don’t wait for the government to make the next move. Take control of your case now.
Qazi Law: Bold Immigration for Bold Futures. Changing Lives One Person at a Time.
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