The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed a new executive order this Friday that will allow undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily, even if they have expired or incomplete travel documents, as part of his immigration plan called "Project Homecoming".
The measure authorizes the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the self-deportation of migrants without requiring valid documentation, enabling a digital system and a concierge service that will allow them to book free flights abroad directly from the airports.
“Illegal foreigners will be able to leave the country with or without the appropriate travel documents,” the official text states.
The government’s objective is to “expedite the swift departure” of those who choose to leave the U.S. permanently.
As part of the program, migrants who choose the voluntary departure will receive a "departure bonus" of $1,000, in addition to the plane ticket paid for by the Federal Government.
This initiative aims to reduce the tax burden that, according to the Trump administration, the presence of undocumented immigrants represents for U.S. taxpayers.
“Every illegal foreigner who voluntarily and permanently leaves the United States will be eligible to receive this bonus,” the document states.
The self-deportation process will be centralized in an application called "CBP Home," which will allow users to manage the procedure digitally, without the need for a prior appearance before immigration authorities.
The executive order also includes strict penalties for those who remain in the country illegally and refuse the option of voluntary departure. The sanctions include forcible expulsion, prosecution for immigration offenses, imprisonment, fines, wage garnishment, and the confiscation of personal property, such as homes and vehicles.
Furthermore, the plan includes the addition of at least 20,000 new immigration agents to carry out an intensive national campaign of detention and deportation.
The Trump administration argues that the presence of undocumented immigrants has incurred a cost exceeding $150 billion in 2023, impacting services such as healthcare, education, housing, food, and security.
The "Homecoming Project" is presented as a strategy to restore national sovereignty, reduce crime, and ease the economic burden on taxpayers.
While the administration defends the measure as a necessary policy to strengthen national security and immigration laws, human rights organizations and migrant communities have expressed concerns about the potential mass criminalization of migrants, the lack of legal protections, and the coercive nature of the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's "Project of Returning Home"
What is the "Project for Returning Home" proposed by Trump?
The "Return Home Project" is an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that allows undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States without the need for valid travel documents. The program offers free flights funded by the government and a $1,000 "departure bonus" as an economic incentive for those who choose to self-deport.
How can immigrants access the self-deportation program?
Immigrants can access the self-deportation program through the "CBP Home" app, which makes it easier to book flights and manage the departure process from the country digitally. There is no need to appear before immigration authorities to use this service.
What happens to immigrants who decide to stay in the U.S.?
Immigrants who decide to stay in the U.S. face severe penalties, including forced expulsion, prosecution for immigration offenses, imprisonment, fines, wage garnishment, and confiscation of personal property. Additionally, the government has deployed over 20,000 agents to intensify detention and deportation operations.
What is the Trump administration's argument for implementing this measure?
The Trump administration argues that the presence of undocumented immigrants has imposed a significant cost on American taxpayers, estimated at over $150 billion in 2023. The measure aims to reduce the tax burden, restore national sovereignty, and decrease crime in the country.
Are there criticisms of the "Project to Return Home"?
The "Return Home Project" has been criticized by human rights organizations and migrant communities, who point to the potential mass criminalization of migrants, the lack of legal safeguards, and the coercive nature of the plan. The feasibility and legality of the proposed measures are also being questioned.
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