The Donald Trump-led administration has introduced a new initiative offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 along with travel assistance to voluntarily return to their home countries, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed.
DHS Calls Self-Deportation the Safest and Cheapest Option
In an official release, DHS emphasized that voluntary return remains the most efficient and cost-effective way for undocumented individuals to exit the United States and avoid arrest.
“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 country through the CBP Home App,” stated Secretary Kristi Noem, according to a report by the news agency.
Deportation Costs Prompt Financial Return Scheme
Immigration enforcement has been central to Donald Trump’s campaign platform. However, the process of detaining and deporting migrants without legal status continues to strain federal resources.
According to DHS, the cost of arresting, detaining, and deporting a single undocumented migrant currently averages $17,000. By contrast, the stipend and airfare offered under the voluntary return program are significantly less expensive.
Program Already in Use, DHS Reports Success
DHS reported that the program has already been utilized. “The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilized the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras,” the agency said.
It added, “Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week.”
Trump’s Deportation Numbers Lower Than Biden’s Last Year
Despite the renewed focus on immigration, DHS data shows that the Trump administration has deported 1,52,000 people since January 20. This number is lower than the 1,95,000 deportations recorded between February and April last year under President Joe Biden.
