In a message loud and clear, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has told foreign nationals who are staying in the country illegally to pack their bags and leave within 30 days—or face harsh consequences.
The announcement, titled “Message to Illegal Aliens,” warns that anyone staying in the United States without official permission for more than 30 days must register with the government. If they don’t, they could face heavy fines or even jail time. According to the statement, “Failure to comply is a crime,” and the department urges people to self-deport—that is, to leave on their own before being forced out.
While this new warning doesn’t target people legally living in the U.S. on student or H-1B work visas, it’s a sign that immigration laws will now be enforced more strictly. Even visa holders who lose their jobs must leave on time or risk trouble with the law.
Homeland Security highlights the “benefits” of self-deporting, saying it’s safer and gives people the power to choose their own departure flight. “Leave on your own terms,” the post says, and you can keep the money you earned while in the U.S., as long as you’re not a criminal.
The department adds that those who leave voluntarily might still have a chance to come back legally in the future—and those who can’t afford a ticket home might even get help with travel costs.
But those who stay illegally risk facing a fine of up to $998 per day, or even thousands more if they don’t follow through after saying they’ll leave. Jail time is also on the table. Most importantly, they may be banned forever from re-entering the U.S. through the legal immigration system.
