The US Department of Homeland Security announced on 22/12 that this aid is available to undocumented residents in the US who register to depart before the end of this year. They will receive 3,000 USD, up from the previous 1,000 USD.
Additionally, those who voluntarily repatriate using the new CBP Home app will receive airfare to their home country and exemption from certain administrative penalties. The app, launched in March, is based on the CBP One platform from the former president Joe Biden's administration.
"Undocumented residents should seize this opportunity to voluntarily leave the US, because otherwise, we will find and apprehend them, and they will never have a path to return," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated today.
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US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the House Homeland Security Committee in Washington on 11/12. *Photo: AFP* |
Trump administration officials explained that despite the threefold increase in assistance, the amount remains reasonable. It helps authorities avoid an average expenditure of over 17,000 USD per immigrant for arrest, detention, and deportation.
However, some immigrants have reported significant difficulties in receiving the funds, with some not receiving them at all. Reasons include: money being transferred while they were detained in the US and subsequently returned, or funds being sent to incorrect addresses. Others were informed they would receive payment upon returning to their home country, despite never actually qualifying for the aid.
US President Donald Trump, who assumed office in January pledging record deportations, has intensified his immigration crackdown campaign despite mixed reactions. While he promised to deport one million immigrants annually, his administration has repatriated approximately 622,000 people to date.
The administration is preparing for a more aggressive immigration crackdown in 2026, backed by billions of USD in new funding. US officials plan to recruit thousands more immigration enforcement officers, establish new detention centers, and partner with external companies to locate undocumented individuals.
By Vu Hoang (Reuters, Guardian, USA Today)
