US Government launches voluntary self deportation with benefits

The Trump administration has launched a program that allows undocumented immigrants to voluntarily depart from the United States enticing them with a $1,000 stipend, financial assistance in booking tickets, deprioritization in detention and removal proceedings, and extended period of time to depart from the United States. Eligible to this program are those non-criminal aliens illegally in the United States who had an encounter with CBP either at a port of entry or between ports of entry and those categorical parolees whose legal presence in the United States has expired or will soon expire. It is important that aliens must be physically present within the United States at the time of submitting their intent to depart.

There is a mobile app which is called CBP Home that has a feature entitled Intent to Depart where eligible individuals can use to register. If you qualify but are not registered through this app, you will not receive the benefits under this program and Immigration and Customs Enforcement could pursue your deportation. If you do not qualify, you are still encouraged to go back to your home country or again face deportation proceedings. Using this app also allows you to register not only yourself but your family members if they are departing with you. Also, even if you are currently in immigration proceedings, or have been deported before or have already been issued a final removal order, you can still register and avail of the benefits. Take note, you will only receive your $1,000 incentive upon show of proof of departure, and yes, it is only through this app.

In its maiden flight, there were 64 people who availed of this program back to Honduras and Colombia. I am not sure how successful this program will be in the long run. There is a lot at stake so it is wise for individuals and families to carefully weigh their options whether to take this offer or not.