McALLEN, Texas (
Border Report
)—The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would assist with travel expenses by providing up to $1,000 to unauthorized 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 make arrangements to return to their homeland through facilitated travel programs.
CBP Home App
.
This application—previously utilized as the CBP One app for scheduling asylum interviews—is now being employed by immigrants to voluntarily depart the country.
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.
based on the information provided on their official site.
Individuals requesting help will likely be deported within approximately 21 days, according to the agency.
DHS estimates that self deportations could save the U.S. government 70% the cost of deporting immigrants who are illegally in the United States. The current average cost to arrest, detain and remove an immigrant is $17,121, the agency said.
If you’re in the U.S. unlawfully, voluntary departure is considered the optimal, secure, and most economical method to exit the country without facing apprehension,” stated Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Department of Homeland Security is currently providing monetary support for transportation as well as a grant to facilitate repatriation back to your homeland via the CBP Home Application.” She added, “This choice ensures safety for our officers, migrants, and represents a 70% reduction in costs for American taxpayers.
But migrant advocates warn that self-deporting could be risky.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council tells Border Report that those who have been in the United States without lawful status for mor than a year and leave the country are barred from reentering for a decade.
“I have significant worries about the potential adverse effects on individuals,” he stated.
In addition, he says those who currently are in immigration court proceedings might be ordered deported for missing their court hearing if they are not physically present for their hearing. “Departure can also lead to automatic denials of legal appeals or requests for asylum or other humanitarian protection,” he said.
He warns anyone considering to self-deport to consult with an immigration lawyer.
Individuals who opt to voluntarily self-deport through the CBP Home application will receive lower priority for detention and removal provided they demonstrate that they are employed and actively making arrangements for their exit from the country, according to the agency.
“The CBP Home initiative allows qualified foreigners to travel back home like typical visitors—free from arrest, detention, or restraints. This creates a secure and organized option that offers support and adaptability instead of instilling fear,” according to the agency’s website.
Individuals choosing this option have to file their “Notice of Leaving” through the application.
Sandra Sanchez can be contacted at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
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