On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced a new initiative offering financial incentives and airline tickets to undocumented immigrants who choose to self-deport. This marks a notable shift from his typically hardline stance on immigration issues, as he emphasized the importance of assisting the return of those he considers "good" individuals.
In an interview broadcasted on Fox News, Trump stated, "We're going to provide them with a stipend. We'll offer some money and a plane ticket, and then we'll work with them. If they're good, if we want them back, we'll expedite their return." Although he didn't provide specific details on the program's execution, Trump highlighted that his primary focus is the removal of violent criminals, such as "murderers." For other immigrants without criminal records, the administration aims to facilitate voluntary departure and potentially legal re-entry.
During the interview, Trump also emphasized the crucial role immigrants play in key economic sectors such as agriculture and hospitality. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with these workers to enable their legal return and fill essential job vacancies within the country.
Interviewed by Rachel Campos-Duffy, wife of current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Trump responded to a video clip featuring a Mexican migrant, whose legal status remains unknown, expressing support for his presidency despite being unable to vote. "I see this man, and I think this is the type of person we want to keep," Trump remarked, acknowledging he might face criticism for his statement. When questioned about the man's risk of deportation, Trump reassured, "I don't think he's in danger of that."
Trump concluded the discussion by asserting, "We're implementing self-deportation, and we're going to make it comfortable for people." This program aligns with other recent initiatives by the administration, such as the launch of the "CBP Home" app, designed to allow undocumented immigrants to voluntarily declare their departure from the United States. This new application replaces "CBP One," which managed legal entry appointments under the previous administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has indicated that those failing to register with the federal government could face fines of up to $998 per day and may be barred from returning to the United States in the future. This strategy aims to reduce the undocumented immigrant population, estimated between 20 and 21 million, as Noem suggests that facilitating voluntary exits is more effective and cost-efficient than forced deportations.
Understanding Trump's Self-Deportation Plan
What incentives does Trump's self-deportation plan offer?
The plan proposes offering a financial stipend and an airline ticket to undocumented immigrants who choose to self-deport.
How does the plan affect undocumented immigrants with no criminal record?
The plan aims to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants without criminal records and potentially allow for their legal re-entry.
What role do immigrants play in the U.S. economy according to Trump?
Trump acknowledges the significant role of immigrants in critical sectors such as agriculture and hospitality, and he expresses interest in enabling their legal return to fill important job vacancies.