Instead, the Trump administration has initiated a nationally enforced voluntary self-deportation program. The program provides $1,000 stipends and travel assistance to undocumented immigrants who decide to go back home. On Monday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expanded the new program. To that end, it seeks to streamline legal immigration into the United States in the years to come.
Through this program, immigrants are offered cash incentives to voluntarily depart the US without being arrested. Just last week the program welcomed its inaugural participant as he set off from Chicago to Honduras. This week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledged the immigrant’s triumphant return. They downloaded the official government-app “Home” to confirm their arrival back home.
Noem said this even-handed approach is a win-win, keeping law enforcement, motorists and pedestrians safer. She stated, “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
These stipends, confirmed only when your arrival is confirmed, are meant to take the financial stress out of their journey home. Furthermore, the travel assistance that the DHS provides for participants makes the logistics seamless and more manageable for participants.
“This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers,” Noem added during the announcement. The administration argues that this program is a win-win. It is good for undocumented immigrants and saves money on enforcement and detention.
The $1,000 stipend will be paid to participants upon verification of return to their home country through the “Home” app. Through this voluntary program, the DHS aims to incentivize further undocumented immigrants to take advantage of this opportunity for self-deportation.
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