The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, asserted on Friday that over a million migrants in an irregular status have self-deported since Trump's return to power.
“Noem said at a press conference in Chicago. We believe that more than a million people have returned home on their own since we started this administration.”
“We know that thousands and thousands of people have used the mobile application CBP One that urges migrants in an irregular situation to self-deport, the official added.”
Noem also referred to the arrests of migrants with criminal convictions: “we have arrested hundreds of thousands of these illegal criminals,” she commented.
The official stated that "more than 70%" of those arrested "have pending charges or criminal convictions, while the rest have final deportation orders."
"We are conducting specific police operations throughout the country and using our case files and information to identify who is a criminal in this country that needs to be deported and who has a final deportation order," he explained.
In line with the Trump Administration's calls in recent months, Noem stated that irregular migrants could return with a visa if they leave on their own.
"They are not complying with the law if they are here illegally," he insisted.
"We have had zero illegal migrants entering the United States for three consecutive months, marking the first time in the history of this nation that we have seen such security at the border," he stated.
Noem said that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hired 10,000 new officers thanks to the resources allocated by Trump to carry out deportations.
"We have over 80,000 applicants for those positions," he added.
From Chicago, Noem launched a strong attack against the governors of Democratic sanctuary states and cities for "obstructing" deportations.
This week, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reiterated through its official account on X the invitation for undocumented migrants to take advantage of the voluntary self-deportation program “Return Home Project.”
The aim of the program is to facilitate a voluntary, safe, and orderly departure from the country by offering a range of benefits designed to encourage migrants to leave the United States on their own accord.
In recent months, a growing number of migrants, some of them of Cuban origin, have chosen self-deportation.
Recently, a Cuban who returned to the island stated that she feels regret for having self-deported, because she has not received the promised $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Deportation Policy in the United States
What is self-deportation and how is it being promoted in the United States?
Self-deportation is a process by which migrants in irregular situations choose to voluntarily leave the United States. It is being promoted through the CBP Home app, which offers incentives such as a free flight to the country of origin and a stipend of $1,000. This policy is part of the Trump administration's strategy to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the country.
What benefits does the "Proyecto Vuelta a Casa" program offer to migrants who self-deport?
The "Proyecto Vuelta a Casa" program offers several benefits to motivate migrants to self-deport. The benefits include the forgiveness of accumulated fines, a free flight back to their country, and a departure bonus of 1,000 dollars. Additionally, they are provided the opportunity to return legally to the United States in the future if they meet the program's conditions.
What is the impact of the self-deportation policy on the Cuban community in the United States?
The policy of self-deportation has had a significant impact on the Cuban community in the United States. Many Cubans arrived in the country under humanitarian parole, which has been revoked, leaving over 110,000 people at risk of deportation. The situation raises concerns, as returning to Cuba means facing a repressive regime from which many fled.
How does the revocation of humanitarian parole affect migrants in the United States?
The revocation of humanitarian parole has affected hundreds of thousands of migrants who benefitted from this program. With the elimination of parole, many have lost their temporary legal status and face the possibility of deportation. This has caused distress in communities such as Miami, where many were in the process of legalization and their children were attending local schools.
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