PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s administration has introduced an initiative offering illegal immigrants a complimentary flight and $1,000 to voluntarily leave the United States in what is described as a “dignified way.”
On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security revealed this “historic opportunity” for illegal immigrants prepared to return to their home country with the aid of a federal app.
Individuals who opt to use the CBP [US Customs and Border Protection] Home App for self-deportation will receive $1,000 for both financial support and travel assistance.
But the money will only be given after their return has been confirmed through the app.
In the DHS announcement, the agency said that self-deportation is a “dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”
The Trump administration said its new self-deportation incentive has “already proven successful.”
According to the DHS, an illegal immigrant used the travel assistance for a flight from Chicago to Honduras.
The agency said other illegal immigrants have booked flights for this week and next week.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement on Monday, “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
