McALLEN, Texas (
Border Report
— The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would assist with travel expenses by providing up to $1,000 to undocumented immigrants willing to voluntarily leave the country.
The Department of Homeland Security referred to this as a “historic opportunity” for individuals without legal status in the country to arrange their return trip to their homeland through facilitated travel options.
CBP Home App
.
This application, previously known as the CBP One app for scheduling asylum interviews, is now being utilized by immigrants to voluntarily deport themselves.
Under a plan unveiled by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at the end of February.
Authorities stated that an allowance of up to $1,000 in American currency will be provided to migrants once they have returned to their native countries as verified through the CBP Home application.
The agency will also provide assistance with travel bookings and airplane tickets, along with offering essential travel documentation for those who are choosing to deport themselves should they require it.
as stated on the organization’s webpage.
Individuals requesting help will likely be deported within approximately 21 days, according to the agency.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests that voluntary departures might reduce the costs for the U.S. government by up to 70%, compared to the expenses associated with forcibly removing illegal immigrants from the country. According to the agency, the present average expense for arresting, detaining, and expelling an individual stands at $17,121.
If you’re in the U.S. unlawfully, voluntary departure is considered the optimal, secure, and most economical method to exit the nation without facing apprehension,” stated Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Department of Homeland Security is currently providing departing undocumented individuals with financial aid for transportation as well as a grant via the Customs and Border Protection’s Home Application,” she added. “This choice ensures safety for both our law enforcers and those leaving, plus it saves American taxpayers up to 70%.
However, those who support migrants caution that voluntary departure can be perilous.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council informs Border Report that individuals who have been residing in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year and depart the country are prohibited from returning for ten years.
“I have significant worries about the potential negative effects on individuals,” he stated.
Furthermore, he mentions that individuals involved in current immigration court processes could face deportation orders if they fail to appear at their hearings due to absence from the country. “Leaving may result in immediate refusals of legal appeals or petitions for asylum or other forms of humanitarian relief,” he added.
He advises those thinking about self-deporting to seek advice from an immigration attorney.
Individuals using the CBP Home app to voluntarily leave the country will have lower priority for detention and deportation, provided they demonstrate that they are employed and actively making arrangements for their exit, according to the agency.
“The CBP Home initiative allows qualified foreign nationals to travel back home as routine visitors—free from arrest, detention, or restraints. This method offers a secure, organized option providing support and adaptability instead of causing alarm,” according to the agency’s webpage.
Individuals choosing this option have to file their “Notice of Leaving” through the application.
Sandra Sanchez can be contacted via SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
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