US issues stern immigration crackdown: Attorney warns overstays, TPS holders face expulsion, fines, and asset seizures

A US-based Ghanaian immigration attorney, Eric Okyere Darko, has raised red flags over sweeping immigration reforms announced under a new executive order signed by former President Donald Trump and recently greenlit by a Washington D.C. Circuit Court ruling.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (15 April), Darko described the new regulations as an “onslaught” targeting undocumented migrants and temporary residents.

The measures, he says, form part of Executive Order 141509 — titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” — which mandates the registration of all non-citizens and non-permanent residents currently in the United States.

“The law says every person in the U.S. who is not a citizen or green card holder must register to notify the government of their physical presence,” Darko explained.

“Failure to register could lead to criminal prosecution, daily civil fines, or even asset forfeiture.”

Who is affected?

Despite widespread panic, Darko clarified that the executive order mainly targets undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. without detection or through fraudulent means.

“Most people who are legally in the US — whether on student visas, visitor visas, or diplomatic status — are already registered upon entry,” he noted.

“The law zeroes in on those who have never had contact with US immigration systems.”

However, the implications of the new rule are still deeply troubling. Darko cautioned that refusing to register carries harsher consequences than coming forward, including

• Up to six months imprisonment

• Daily fines reportedly upwards of $500

• Asset seizures, including funds in bank accounts

• No path to legal residency or relief, even after registration

“This is not an amnesty. There is no promise of status. It’s more like registering yourself for potential deportation,” he added.

TPS holders given seven days to leave

Even more disturbing is a mass deportation notice issued last week, targeting individuals from countries previously granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), including Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and El Salvador.

According to Darko, who represents clients under TPS, affected individuals were informed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that their legal status had been terminated effective April 11, 2025, with just seven days to leave the country.

“It is time for you to leave the United States,” the DHS letter reads. “Do not attempt to remain… the federal government will find you.”

This move could affect nearly 900,000 people, stripping them of employment authorisation and legal protection. Darko warned that similar humanitarian programmes for countries like Cameroon and South Sudan are at risk of being revoked.

Ripple effects on the US economy

Darko also noted that these policies are already having major economic repercussions:

• Agriculture: Farmers are struggling without labourers.

• Construction: Housing projects are stalling.

• Hospitality: Hotels and restaurants are losing staff.

• Care Work: Nannies, home aides, and nursing home staff are disappearing.

“People are already leaving the country,” he said. “If you can’t legally work, there’s no point in staying.”

Chilling effect on legal advocacy

The attorney further revealed that immigration lawyers and rights groups are facing retaliation, including, “Revoked security clearances, cancelled federal contracts, terminated NGO funding, and layoffs at law firms representing immigrants”

“Many legal professionals are scared to challenge these laws. Some won’t take these cases to the Supreme Court because they don’t want to become targets,” he said.

A Fear-Driven Policy

While the executive order may not affect every foreigner in the U.S., Darko believes it is designed to scare people into compliance or departure.

“This is part of Trump’s shock-and-scare strategy. The goal is to create fear, so people leave on their own,” he explained. “It’s not just a law — it’s a psychological weapon.”