By Reuters
The US government has significantly increased the financial incentive offered to undocumented migrants who agree to leave the country voluntarily, raising the stipend to $3,000 as part of a broader effort to reduce enforcement and detention costs.
Higher payment tied to voluntary exit programme
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the revised offer applies to migrants without legal status who enroll in the voluntary departure programme and leave the country by the end of the year. The package also includes a complimentary flight to the individual’s home country.
Officials say the higher stipend is intended to encourage participation in the programme as an alternative to arrest and forced removal.
CBP Home app central to self-departure process
The administration earlier this year introduced a redesigned mobile application, CBP Home, to streamline the self-departure process. The platform allows migrants to register their intent to leave and coordinate travel arrangements digitally.
The app replaces CBP One, which had previously been used under the former administration to manage lawful entry appointments for migrants.
Government cites high cost of enforcement
DHS officials have stated that arresting, detaining, and deporting an undocumented migrant costs the government an average of $17,000 per case. By contrast, voluntary departures are seen as a faster and less expensive option for managing immigration enforcement.
Immigration crackdown continues despite criticism
Since returning to office in January, Donald Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, pledging historically high levels of removals. While the administration has set a target of deporting one million people annually, official figures show that around 622,000 migrants have been removed so far this year.
The expanded stipend programme comes amid ongoing debate and public criticism over the administration’s immigration strategy and its humanitarian and economic impact.
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