A Cuban national who arrived in the United States through the CBP One program has turned down an offer of $1,000 to voluntarily leave the country. This initiative, proposed by Donald Trump's administration, aims to incentivize self-deportation. "I'm staying here until the end to see what happens," the young man stated in an interview with Alexis Boentes for Telemundo 51. Choosing to remain anonymous, he emphasized that "a thousand dollars is nothing compared to what I could earn by working and contributing to the United States."
According to him, this proposal from the U.S. government is "a strategy to make those who are unsure of their intentions in this country leave."
Pressure on Undocumented Immigrants to Exit the U.S.
The Cuban recently received an official email demanding his immediate departure from U.S. soil. The government's $1,000 offer is directed at those who agree to leave voluntarily. Official data suggests this initiative aims to cut costs related to arrests, detentions, and deportations by 70%, which currently amount to $17,121 per person.
The government noted that payment would be made once the immigrant has left the U.S. territory. After returning to their home country, they must send notification through the CBP Home app.
Legal Risks of Self-Deportation
Immigration attorney Armando Olmedo warned, in statements to Univision Noticias, that opting for self-deportation could have serious implications for the future immigration status of those who choose it. "The government is promoting this incentive as a way to leave and return in the future, but the reality is that many might not be able to come back to the United States for decades," he pointed out.
Olmedo stresses the importance of consulting with an immigration lawyer before making any decisions, as there are many factors that immigrants might not be aware of. "They need to be aware of their records and the penalties that can be applied once they leave the United States, as they might face bans of 5, 10, or 20 years, or even a permanent ban from re-entering the country," Olmedo clarified.
The Legal Path of Due Process
Experts agree that the safest path for migrants is to follow the legal process, attend court hearings, and not evade established procedures. These are the only mechanisms that protect and uphold the rights of immigrants and the only way to achieve legal status in the United States.
The U.S. government has indicated it is in talks with a private company to facilitate payments to those who self-deport, although the mechanism has yet to be detailed, leaving many questions about its implementation.
Understanding Self-Deportation and Its Implications
What is the U.S. government's self-deportation initiative?
The self-deportation initiative is a proposal by the U.S. government offering $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the country, aimed at reducing the costs of enforcement actions.
Are there risks associated with self-deportation?
Yes, self-deportation can lead to long-term bans from re-entering the U.S., and it's crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer to understand the potential legal consequences.
How does following due process benefit immigrants?
Following due process ensures protection of immigrants' rights and is the only legal avenue to potentially securing legal status in the United States.