Trump
The United States Department of Homeland Security is preparing to introduce a new initiative that would grant unaccompanied migrant teenagers a one-time payment of $2,500 if they agree to voluntarily return to their home countries, CNN reported on Saturday.
According to an administration memo cited by the outlet, the pilot programme would begin with 17-year-old migrants and would require the approval of an immigration judge before any departure is authorised.
The payment would be disbursed only after the minor’s arrival in their home country, intended to assist with “reintegration efforts.”
The proposed initiative expands on an existing voluntary return scheme introduced under the Trump administration, which currently provides $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who opt for self-deportation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has defended the approach, describing it as a cost-effective alternative to prolonged detention and formal deportation procedures.
“This programme is strictly voluntary and allows minors to make an informed decision about their future,” an ICE spokesperson was quoted as saying.
As of October 2, official figures show that approximately 2,100 unaccompanied minors remain in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, awaiting placement or immigration hearings. Punch
