Donald Trump proposes a self-deportation plan offering immigrants a small payment and flights, sparking backlash over the “insulting” amount.
President Donald Trump recently announced a program allowing undocumented immigrants to self-deport in exchange for financial assistance.
This controversial proposal aims to address illegal immigration while offering a way for immigrants to return to their home countries.
Trump proposes ‘insulting’ amount for immigrants to ‘self-deport’
Under this program, the government will provide a stipend and a plane ticket for immigrants who choose to leave voluntarily.
“We’re going to give them a stipend,” President Donald Trump said at the time.
“We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we’re going to work with them — if they’re good — if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can.”
The exact amount of money offered for self-deportation had not been disclosed initially.
However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently revealed that each immigrant would receive $1,000 after confirming their return through an app designed for this purpose.
Mixed reactions to the financial offer
Many people have reacted negatively to the $1,000 stipend, calling it an “insult.”
Critics argue that this amount is far too low for individuals who have risked everything to come to the United States.
One critic on social media remarked, “This is an insult—both to migrants and to Trump’s own supporters.”
“To migrants, because it’s absurd to think that people risked everything to come to the US for a mere thousand dollars.”
Another pointed out that other countries, like the UK, offer significantly higher amounts for similar programs.
“That’s cheap! Our UK government offers £3000.”
The government claims the program is cost-effective.
DHS claims that this self-deportation program is a cost-effective way to manage illegal immigration.
The department estimates that it costs an average of $17,121 to arrest, detain, and remove an undocumented immigrant.
By offering financial incentives for self-deportation, the government hopes to reduce these costs.
Officials stated that they had already booked flights for some migrants, including one individual returning to Honduras.
They believe this method allows immigrants to leave “dignified” and avoids potential confrontations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Trump aims to streamline immigration for effectiveness.
During a recent press conference, Trump expressed his desire to manage immigration effectively.
He stated, “We’re gonna pay each one a certain amount of money and get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from, and they have a period of time,
and if they make it, we’re gonna work with them so that maybe someday, with a little work, they can come back in.”
His administration aims to streamline the process for undocumented immigrants while maintaining a focus on security.