Trump Admin Fining Migrants Thousands to Recoup Deportation Costs

According to data cited from London-based analytics firm ISI Markets, Mexico’s annual per-capita household income is estimated at roughly $5,000.

Even so, White House officials have argued that the penalties are not solely about revenue collection.

Instead, administration officials say the fines are intended to pressure migrants into voluntarily leaving the country rather than remaining in the United States illegally, USA Today reports.

“Our message is clear: Illegal aliens in the country illegally should leave now or face consequences,” a DHS official told the outlet.