The federal government is set to let private debt collectors withdraw funds from immigrants facing significant fines for remaining in the U.S. illegally, according to an immigration lawyer in New York.
This information emerged from a letter demanding $1.8 million sent to a client of immigration lawyer Latoya McBean Pompey based in White Plains, New York.
McBean mentioned in a TikTok video, “The government is dispatching these collection notices for $1.8 million to people currently living in the U.S.,” while reading the letter.
The Department of the Treasury may undertake several actions: First, limit your eligibility for federal and state payments. Second, they may forward the debt to a private collection agency. Third, the matter could go to the U.S. Department of Justice for potential legal action. Fourth, they might report your debt to the National Credit Bureau. Lastly, this debt could be reported to the IRS as possible income.
She expressed concern, stating, “This is truly alarming. It’s frightening for those who receive such notices. We’re going to collaborate with collection attorneys to address these issues with the government as best as we can.”
Many immigrants in the U.S. have established assets like homes, bank accounts, and cars. The government’s threats to seize these assets could lead to increased self-reports from undocumented individuals.
The fines apply to undocumented immigrants who have been ordered to leave by a judge, or who previously agreed to leave voluntarily.
However, the federal government struggles to deport individuals ordered to leave, suggesting the number of such immigrants could be over a million.
Fines are enforceable in cases where immigrants self-declare their status.
A June 27 announcement detailed a streamlined process for fining undocumented immigrants.
“The law requires enforcement; consequences for violations are essential,” said Deputy Chief Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to strict immigration enforcement, making the government more efficient. These financial penalties may prompt undocumented immigrants to self-report before it’s too late.”
The new processes will focus on:
- Individuals entering the U.S. illegally
- Those ignoring or delaying removal orders
- Individuals failing to comply with voluntary departure agreements
Fines can range from $100 to $500 for each illegal entry and between $1,992 to $9,970 for failing to respect voluntary departure orders. Moreover, penalties can reach up to $998 per day for non-compliance with these orders.
The implementation of these fines underscores a significant push by President Trump’s administration to fulfill his campaign promise of deporting all undocumented immigrants, utilizing established legal measures to achieve this goal.
