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A Cuban immigrant seeking asylum, Gridiudis Roselló reported that on December 15th she received a fine of $5,130 after attending an appointment with ICE, despite being in the United States with an ongoing immigration process.
The case was reported in a feature by Noticias 23, which warns that similar sanctions could affect millions of migrants who entered the country without inspection, regardless of how long they have been in U.S. territory or whether they have pending applications.
Rosello explained that she was released with an I-220A form after crossing the southern border in February 2022 and that, upon attending her appointment, she never imagined she would leave with a document notifying her of the fine.
In statements quoted by the outlet, he said that the payment had to be made within 30 days and expressed his dissatisfaction with the measure.
The Cuban woman herself documented what happened on Facebook. Although they set a cut-off date for September 2026, they informed her that she had to pay the fine within a month.
In the report from Noticias 23, immigration attorney Rosaly Chaviano explained what the government understands by "entry without inspection," pointing out that it refers to people who enter and do not formally go through the inspection process.
For his part, attorney John de la Vega stated that he had heard “dozens of similar cases,” including individuals who have been in the United States for years and are being fined under this provision. He suggested that there could be legal action, considering that penalties may be imposed “retroactively.”
The same lawyer warned that failing to pay the fine on time could result in being indebted to the federal government, with the possibility that the amount could be withdrawn from bank accounts, according to his explanation cited by the media.
At the same time, Chaviano indicated that those who receive these notifications would have instructions on how to appeal or contest the sanction.
Donald Trump's second administration has moved from warnings to widespread enforcement.
Recently, it was announced that almost all immigrants detained for illegal entry will have to pay a fine of 5,000 dollars, as the government promotes a “self-deportation” campaign offering free flights and 1,000 dollars in cash to those who agree to leave the United States voluntarily.
The head of the Border Patrol, Michael Banks, announced that a $5,000 fine would be imposed on anyone who crosses the southern border illegally.
According to Banks, the so-called "apprehension fee" of $5,000 will apply to virtually all immigrants aged 14 and older who entered without inspection, regardless of where they crossed, how long they have been in the country, or whether they have ongoing immigration proceedings.
This logic of extreme economic punishment has already hit the Cuban community hard: one Cuban received a fine notification of $690,000 and another faces a sanction of over $530,000 for not leaving the United States after a deportation order.
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