The U.S. government has tripled the financial incentive for undocumented immigrants to choose self-deportation before December 31 to $3,000, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday, which will also pay for their return flights. "If you wish to voluntarily return to your country of origin and are in the U.S. illegally, we will give you $3,000 during the holidays so you can return home," the statement said. DHS had previously announced in May last year a $1,000 stipend and a return flight ticket for undocumented immigrants who voluntarily choose to leave the country. "We will facilitate the process for you and perhaps you will have the opportunity to return to this country the right way someday. We will ensure you get home in time for Christmas," the department stated. In a press release, Homeland Security reported Monday that since President Donald Trump's return to the White House last January, 1.9 million undocumented immigrants have chosen voluntary deportation, including tens of thousands through the CBP One app. The Trump administration is moving swiftly to fulfill the president's campaign promises to carry out the largest deportation campaign in the country's history. The multiple arrests and raids on undocumented immigrants since the president's return to power have drawn strong criticism from the Republican's opponents and pro-immigrant organizations. The DHS Secretary urged those who choose self-deportation to download and use the official CBP One app. "We will help you return home," she said in an interview with the Fox News channel. "We will buy you an airplane ticket and give you $3,000 to return to your country," said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem specified that this increase in the "exit bonus" will only be effective until the end of the year and applies to "persons who have not been detained" by immigration agents, as well as those "who are in detention and have no criminal charges" against them.
