Translated with AI
The US government has implemented a voluntary return program for illegal immigrants, commonly known as "self-deportation," for the first time. The first charter flight carrying 64 participants in the initiative left Houston for Honduras and Colombia, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported.
According to the agency, those leaving included families with children, including minors who were American citizens. All participants in the flight voluntarily agreed to leave the United States by registering through the new CBP Home app.
Support and compensation
Each participant in the program was given a free flight, a one-time payment of $1,000 , and the promise of the opportunity to legally return to the country in the future.
Honduras, where 38 people arrived, additionally allocated $100 each to those who returned, food stamps and promised help with employment. The 26 migrants who flew to Colombia received "social support" from the authorities, but the details of this assistance were not specified.
Migrants with American passports
Of particular note was the fact that, according to CNN, citing officials in Honduras, about half of those who arrived in the country were children , at least four of whom were born in the United States and have citizenship. Despite this, they left with their parents, preferring to stay with their families rather than remain in the United States.
US authorities warn others
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged other undocumented immigrants to follow the example of those in the program, or risk being fined, arrested, deported and barred from returning to the United States in the future, she said.
The "self-deportation" program was proposed by the administration of former President Donald Trump and has been implemented in practice since 2024 with the support of new digital solutions. Experts believe that its goal is to reduce the migration burden on the federal budget and improve control over the entry and exit of migrants.
