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U.S. launches program offering $1,000 and free flight for voluntary immigrant return

Tuesday 06 May 2025 - 10:03
U.S. launches program offering $1,000 and free flight for voluntary immigrant return
By: Zahouani Ilham
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The U.S. government has introduced a new initiative offering undocumented immigrants the option to voluntarily return to their home countries in exchange for a $1,000 cash grant and a free plane ticket. This move, hailed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a "historic opportunity," is aimed at lowering the expenses associated with forced deportation.

The program targets illegal immigrants living in the U.S. who choose to leave voluntarily. According to DHS, the $1,000 grant will be provided once it is verified that the return to the home country has been completed. This initiative is expected to reduce deportation costs by up to 70% compared to traditional administrative and judicial deportation processes, which cost roughly $17,000 per individual.

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, emphasized that voluntary return, or self-deportation, is not only the most cost-effective option but also the safest. Furthermore, it provides immigrants with an opportunity to return to the U.S. legally in the future, unlike forced deportation, which restricts that possibility.

In a related development, the administration reported that around 152,000 people had been deported by the end of March, a part of the stringent immigration policies pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump. These policies have placed a strong emphasis on tackling illegal immigration, becoming a central issue in the current presidential campaign.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt mentioned last week that the U.S. is preparing for "the largest deportation operation in its history," noting that this new program reflects future trends in U.S. immigration policy.

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