The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a programme providing illegal migrants with a $1,000 stipend and travel support if they voluntarily return to their home countries through the CBP Home App.
According to an official statement by DHS on Monday, this new voluntary return initiative aims to reduce enforcement costs and encourage dignified exits for migrants unlawfully present in the United States.
The DHS said the programme is a “historic opportunity” for illegal aliens to return to their home countries in a dignified and cost-effective manner.
“Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app.
Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal migrants to avoid being caught by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that the use of CBP Home will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 per cent.
Currently, the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is $17,121,” the statement read.
According to the DHS, the first successful use of the programme was by an illegal alien who was allowed entry under the Biden Administration and returned to Honduras from Chicago using the travel assistance initiative.
“Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week,” the agency noted.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem encouraged migrants to use the programme, describing it as beneficial to both the government and the migrants
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home countries through the CBP Home App,” she said.
“This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App today and self-deport,” Noem added.
Individuals who register and show genuine progression towards their departure will be given lower priority for detention and removal, and participating in the self-deportation programme might also allow for potential legal reentry into the U.S. in the future.