The administration of US President Donald Trump has made a significant announcement regarding unauthorized immigrants, offering them a substantial Christmas bonus. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), individuals who voluntarily depart the country before the end of the year will be provided with $3,000 and free flights. Additionally, those who register for self-deportation through the CBP’s Home App will be given a free ticket to return to their home country, along with the $3,000 payment. Furthermore, potential civil penalties and sentences imposed on those who choose not to leave the country will be waived.
It is worth noting that this offer is three times more than the initial announcement made in May, which was $1,000. According to officials, this initiative aims to speed up the process of voluntary departure and reduce enforcement costs during the holiday season. The DHS has stated that self-deportation through the CBP Home App is a quick, free, and easy process, where the government will take care of all travel arrangements after the individual submits their application. However, those who choose not to take advantage of this offer will face arrest and forced repatriation, and will not be eligible to return to the US in the future.
US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, has appealed to unauthorized immigrants to take advantage of this opportunity, warning that the government will pursue and apprehend those who do not comply. It is worth noting that the CBP Home App was introduced during the Biden administration, but has been revamped by Trump’s team with a new purpose.
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