DHS and DOJ Drop 30-Day Grace Period on Immigration Fines

In a controversial move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that migrants will no longer receive a 30-day notice period before being fined for immigration violations. As of June 27, 2025, penalties can be issued immediately and without advance warning.

What This Means:

Under the old system, individuals had time to prepare a response or seek legal advice before receiving fines related to unlawful entry, visa overstay, or other infractions. Now, the new rule allows for instantaneous fines:

• $100 to $500 for illegal entry
• Up to $1,000 per day for overstays

These fines are mailed directly to the individual, removing the procedural safeguard of a notice period.

Why This Matters:

• Due Process Erosion: Critics argue that this policy undermines basic legal rights by eliminating time for response or appeal.
• Financial Hardship: Many migrants already face economic challenges. Sudden, large fines without notice could push families further into poverty.
• Legal Uncertainty: With little time to act, many immigrants may miss deadlines or misunderstand their rights.

A Bigger Picture:

This change is part of a broader trend toward more punitive immigration enforcement. Advocates fear this could open the door to even more aggressive measures, such as asset seizure for unpaid fines.

What to Do Now:

Immigration attorneys and community organizations must ramp up education efforts to inform affected individuals about their rights. Migrants should keep all records, be vigilant about mail communications from DHS, and seek legal advice as soon as possible.

This is not just about policy it’s about people’s lives, dignity, and ability to find stability in the United States.