Trump starts self-deportation program: Migrants take action!

Trump starts self-deportation program: Migrants take action!

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial program to deal with illegal immigrants, dubbed “Project Homecoming”. On Monday, the first volunteer charter flight took off from Houston, Texas, to South America, carrying 64 migrants. Of these, 38 returned to Honduras and 26 to Colombia. Migrants who participate in this program not only receive a cash bonus of $1,000 (approximately 883 euros), but travel expenses are also covered by the US government. This measure aims to encourage people without legal status to leave the country voluntarily in order to avoid expensive and often traumatic deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, promotes the use of this program, calling it the “safest, most cost-effective way” to avoid arrest. But critics, including human rights organizations, argue that the program is misleading and migrants are not adequately informed about the legal hurdles. The government has increased pressure on certain groups of migrants to encourage them to return voluntarily. According to reports, some of these groups are unable to access financial services, further exacerbating the situation.

Details about the program

The procedure for claiming this self-deportation is relatively simple. Migrants can register their interest through the repurposed CBP Home app, originally designed for asylum applications. After confirmation of your arrival in your home country, the money will be paid out. The average cost of forced deportation is approximately $17,121 (approximately €15,110), making this program more financially attractive. Experts say this government approach could also help ease backlogs in the deportation system that have arisen for a variety of reasons.

Reactions to the program are mixed. While the administration highlights the benefits, there have been numerous protests against Trump's immigration policies. An appeals court's rejection of a U.S. government request to end protected status for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela also highlights the legal challenges the government faces.

Impact and legal resistance

Legal disputes surrounding immigration policy are increasing. An example is the case of migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported due to an “administrative error”. This case has attracted international attention, especially after the Supreme Court asked the government to advocate for Garcia's return, but it was rejected. Various organizations, including the ACLU, are calling on the United Nations to address the “alarming violations of international law.”

How the situation develops and what further measures the US government will take remains to be seen, but Project Homecoming represents a welcome opportunity for many migrants to escape their uncertain status and make a new start in their homeland.

For detailed information on this topic, the reports from Vienna.at, Die Zeit and Tagesschau can be consulted.