The Trump administration on Monday conducted the first chartered deportation flight of illegal immigrants who self-reported for a trip to leave the U.S.
The government, on May 5, offered the self-report option using the Customs and Border Control Home app. Almost immediately, several people got flights back to their home countries.
The Monday charter departed Houston and made stops in Honduras and Colombia. The DHS reported that 38 people were returned to Honduras, and the remaining 26 departed the plane at an airport in Colombia. In both cases, the DHS said the people were greeted by representatives of their countries who welcomed them back.
In its self-deportation announcement, DHS said illegal migrants who voluntarily offered to leave the U.S would receive a $1,000 stipend. The department said that it is a lot more cost-effective than typical deportations, which can cost more than $17,000 when all related actions are factored in.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association challenged the administration's self-deportation program when it was announced as "a deeply misleading and unethical trick."
The AILA claimed the Trump administration was expanding its deceptive immigration policies by failing to tell illegal immigrants about what the lawyers' group said were their rights. "Even the immigration courts are now posting inaccurate information telling people to self-deport, including those who are in the middle of asylum proceedings and have not had their fair day in court."
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said self-deportation is the best option illegal immigrants have. "If you don't, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return," she said.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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