Exit bonus to illegal immigrants for self-deportation

The US Department of Homeland Security has released posters offering to fly illegal immigrants, including from India, to their home countries for free with an exit bonus of USD 2,600.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used an image of the Taj Mahal and prominent landmarks of Colombia and China to promote its self-deportation initiative targeted at illegal immigrants a chance to leave the United States honorably before they are arrested by US authorities and face jail time or legal action. Under the program, those who choose to leave will be given a bonus of $2,600 (about Rs 2.16 lakh in Indian currency). The US government will fully cover the cost of their airfare to their home countries.

To avail this benefit, immigrants must use a special app called ‘CBP Home’ developed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Users must upload their details to the app. Officials will track their departure from the country through this app. Only after users upload the necessary evidence to prove that they have left the United States, the financial assistance will be fully available to them.

The US is promoting this ‘self-deport’ method to avoid the high cost and lengthy legal battles of forced deportation. Officials say it is a “safe way” for immigrants to leave without legal taints