The administration of President Donald Trump announced a new strategy aimed at accelerating the departure of millions of undocumented migrants in the United States. The proposal includes a special package that provides a plane ticket, a thousand dollars as a stipend, and the opportunity to be considered for a legal return to the country.
"We are going to have a self-deportation program," Trump stated, adding that undocumented immigrants will face other problems if they do not accept the government offer. Those who decide to participate in this plan must register through the CBP Home mobile application, complete a form, submit it to immigration authorities, and confirm their departure from U.S. territory before receiving financial assistance.
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, declared that self-deportation is the best way to leave safely, economically, and effectively from the United States to avoid arrest. The DHS will offer financial and travel assistance, as well as a stipend to those immigrants who choose to return to their countries of origin.
According to the DHS, at least one undocumented individual from Honduras has already accepted the offer and is back in their home country. The campaign is taking place at a time when the Trump administration has failed to meet its detention goals to become the largest deportation operation in the country's history, due to budgetary issues and legal challenges.
The proposal from the U.S. government seeks to reduce costs, as it is more economical to pay a thousand dollars and a plane ticket for leaving the country than to carry out the deportation process through the authorities. "Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the United States (...). Currently, the average cost to arrest, detain, and expel an undocumented immigrant is 17,121 dollars," the DHS pointed out.
The campaign has sparked criticism and controversy, although the government argues it will allow for significant budget savings. Trump has expressed the intention to facilitate the return to the country of those immigrants deemed eligible. With these incentives and the threat of not being able to return to the country in the future if they do not accept the proposal, the goal is to encourage the voluntary departure of undocumented individuals.
