The Trump administration has unveiled a new program that might sound too good to be true.
It offers a $1,000 incentive for undocumented immigrants to voluntarily return to their home country.
The twist? You’ve got to use an app, CBP Home, to prove you’ve left the U.S. before you get paid.
At first glance, it seems like a neat way to avoid deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insists it’s a safer and more cost-effective method of immigration control.
The program could reduce deportation costs by a whopping 70%, DHS claims.
And it could even leave the door open for future re-entry to the U.S., they say.
What’s The Catch?
Critics, like Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council, warn that this “self-deportation” scheme is a trap.
“Leaving could make it even harder to come back legally in the future,” he argues.
It’s a risky gamble for those desperate to stay but worried about their long-term prospects.
So, is this a lifeline for some, or a short-term fix with long-term consequences?
Only time will tell. For now, it’s clear the push to reduce immigration isn’t backing down anytime soon.
