The United States government has introduced an incentive-based program aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily, offering a complimentary flight home and a $1,000 stipend upon departure.
Harry Fones, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, unveiled details of the initiative at a press briefing on Thursday.
Fones highlighted recent updates to the CBP One mobile application, which now enables undocumented individuals to arrange their voluntary departure from the U.S.
“What this does is that if you are here in the United States illegally, you can download the CBP home app, you can register on it,” he said.“And the United States Government will provide you with a free flight home.You will also receive a 1,000 dollars stipend that is paid once it’s confirmed that you have departed the United States.”
He noted that the app allows users to register not only themselves but also their children and other family members, all of whom are eligible for the same benefits.
“So if it’s a family of, let’s say, four, that family would receive a stipend of $4,000,” he said.“There’s the financial benefit, but there is the benefit that this could help preserve a way for you to come back into the United States in the future.Whereas if you are deported, you will not be able to return to this country,” he added.
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Fones emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, while positioning the app as a helpful alternative for those wishing to leave voluntarily.
“We are enforcing the laws of this country. Deportation is a priority of this administration.”
He explained that the application has been redesigned to be more accessible and user-friendly.
“What we have done under the Trump Administration is turn this into an app to help people who are here illegally to return home.”
The program, launched in May, has already seen numerous participants take advantage of the travel assistance and departure options, according to Fones.
He also announced that penalties for those who failed to comply with previous voluntary departure orders are being waived.
“But one of the other things that was announced with it is that we are now forgiving failure to depart fines.So these are fines for people who have a voluntary departure order that they haven’t honoured.”
He added that such fines could reach up to $10,000, and individuals who ignore final removal orders may face daily penalties nearing $998.
The Department of Homeland Security is working in tandem with the Department of Justice to simplify enforcement and fine administration processes.
“We’re streamlining the process through a federal rule.”
Fones described the CBP One app as a practical route for undocumented migrants to avoid deportation proceedings.
“So if you use this app, it does deprioritise you from ICE’s (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportation list.And it can also help possibly preserve your ability to come back into the United States legally later.If you don’t use this app and you don’t depart the U.S., we are enforcing this nation’s laws when it comes to immigration now, and it could result in a deportation.”
He concluded by noting continued improvements to the app and the expansion of its benefits.
“We’re improving on the app to make it easier for people to use, adding that it has continued to expand the benefits for people using it.”