The Trump administration’s first self-deportation flight returned 68 immigrants to Honduras and Colombia, providing them financial aids but with expectations of low participation. Experts indicate ongoing challenges for undocumented migrants in the U.S. may impact demand for the program.
In a notable move by the Trump administration, a repatriation flight carrying 68 immigrants returned them to their home countries, Colombia and Honduras, as of Monday. This flight represents the first instance of a self-deportation initiative that the government is funding. The plan, essentially an offer for voluntary deportation, includes providing the migrants with $1,000 debit cards and future legal entry options into the U.S.
Thirty-eight Hondurans, consisting of many families with children, were sent to San Pedro Sula. One participant, Kevin Antonio Posadas, originally from Tegucigalpa, remarked on how simple the application process was. After living in Houston for three years, he noted his desire to reunite with family: “I wanted to see my family and my mom,” he stated while highlighting the ease of using the CBP Home app.
Despite the efforts, experts predict a meager response to these self-deportation offers. Many believe that the number of migrants opting to leave will be low, especially when considering the ongoing enforcement initiatives, including the detention of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem underscored the potential consequences of remaining in the country, urging undocumented individuals to utilize the self-deportation program: “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure,” she asserted.
Along with the Honduran deportees, the flight also included 26 Colombian migrants. In support of those returning, the Honduran government is offering each migrant $100 in cash and $200 worth of credits for basic goods. Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio Garcia noted that some of the children arriving had been born in the United States.
Upon arrival, many returning migrants expressed their concerns about the growing difficulties of undocumented life in the U.S., citing increased hostility and complications related to employment. Wilson Paz, director of Honduran immigration, noted that the year-to-date deportation numbers have decreased, with 13,500 deportees this year compared to 15,000 last year by the same period.
In summary, the Trump administration has initiated its self-deportation program with the first flight taking 68 immigrants back to Honduras and Colombia, while offering financial incentives for participants. Experts forecast a limited uptake given the prevailing challenges faced by migrants in the United States. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing struggles reported by those in the undocumented community, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of such initiatives.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
