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Gujarat businessman in US fined Rs 15 crore for illegal 16-year stay
A Gujarati businessman living illegally in the United States for 16 years was fined USD 1.8 million (about Rs 15 crore) by the Department of Homeland Security for non-compliance with a final removal order. The notice, issued in April 2026, alleges willful non-departure; the individual has 15 days to appeal.
Why It Matters
Shows how civil penalties are used to enforce removal orders even after long periods of unlawful presence, and highlights uncertainties about recovery and voluntary departures for irregular migrants.
Timeline
5 Events
News article published about the case
May 1, 2026
The article detailing the case was published on May 1, 2026, reporting the DHS civil penalty and the recipient’s status, along with the 15-day appeal window.
DHS issues April 2026 notice under INA; civil penalty imposed
April 2026
A notice issued in April 2026 under the Immigration and Nationality Act alleges willful refusal to depart despite a deportation order and levies a civil penalty of USD 1.8 million (about Rs 15 crore), calculated at USD 998 per day for the non-compliance period; 15 days to appeal.
Applied for U visa; currently holds work permit and SSN under U visa
2024
In 2024, two years before the 2026 report, he applied for a U visa, under which he currently holds a valid work permit and a social security number.
Final removal order issued
2011
A final removal order was served in 2011 following his detention and release after entry.
Entered US via Mexico; detained and released
2010
The businessman entered the United States in 2010 through the US-Mexico border, was detained shortly after entry, and released within weeks.