The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently reiterated an invitation to undocumented immigrants to participate in the "Return to Home" voluntary self-deportation program through their official account on X. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers a "streamlined and incentivized" alternative for leaving the United States without undergoing detention or forced removal.
Encouragements for Choosing Self-Deportation
USCIS aims to provide a voluntary, safe, and orderly exit from the country by offering several incentives to encourage migrants to leave the United States on their own terms. Some of the key "benefits" outlined by USCIS include:
Free airfare: "The U.S. government will purchase a one-way ticket for departure" to the migrant's country of origin or another country where they have legal status.
$1,000 departure bonus: "This bonus will be given once it’s confirmed via the CBP Home app that the undocumented individual has exited the United States."
Waiver of fines: "Civil penalties for failing to leave the U.S. after a removal or voluntary departure order will be waived."
Family travel: Migrants can leave the country with their children, "regardless of their citizenship status."
Personal planning: The program allows for a "timely departure so individuals can wrap up their employment, education, and personal matters."
USCIS warns, "Choose to leave voluntarily with financial assistance or face immigration enforcement and severe penalties."
The Self-Deportation Process via CBP Home
The process begins with the CBP Home mobile application, developed by DHS. The steps involved include:
Initial registration: Migrants download the app, submit their personal information and a photo, and send in their application.
Personalized coordination: A representative will contact the applicant "at the provided phone number to book their one-way ticket."
Further review (if necessary): Some applicants will receive an email with a unique link and QR code to complete the G-325R Biographic Information Form.
Online USCIS account: To finalize the form, an online USCIS account is necessary. "Only the account holder can submit the G-325R Form."
Biometric services (optional): If required, an appointment will be scheduled at a local Application Support Center (ASC), with notifications appearing solely in the applicant's online account.
The program stresses that "providing biometric services is a mandatory step" if requested.
Warnings and Consequences
U.S. authorities caution that illegal presence in the country could lead to severe consequences: "removal, prosecution, imprisonment, wage garnishment, and asset seizure," including homes and vehicles. Therefore, they emphasize that self-deportation may "enhance future immigration options."
Complete details, forms, and FAQs are available on DHS’s official site.
Recently, an increasing number of migrants, including some from Cuba, have chosen self-deportation. One Cuban woman expressed regret after returning to the island, stating she did not receive the promised $1,000.
Understanding the Self-Deportation Program
What is the "Return to Home" program?
The "Return to Home" program is a voluntary self-deportation initiative that offers incentives to undocumented migrants to leave the United States without facing detention or forced removal.
What are the incentives offered by USCIS for self-deportation?
USCIS offers several incentives, including free airfare, a $1,000 departure bonus, waiver of fines, family travel options, and the ability to plan a timely departure to conclude personal matters.
How can migrants start the self-deportation process?
Migrants can begin the self-deportation process by downloading the CBP Home mobile app, submitting personal information, and following the application steps outlined by the program.