The first group of ‘self-deporting’ illegal immigrants left Houston, Texas, on a flight on Monday. The group of 64 persons—38 Hondurans and 26 Colombians—will return to their home countries.
Project Homecoming, the voluntary return program launched in early March, offers a $1,000 payment to illegal immigrants who voluntarily arrange their departure through a smartphone app called CBP Home. Upon returning to their home countries, participants also receive support from local authorities. The Honduran government’s program includes $100 for adults over 18, along with food vouchers and employment assistance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stressed that the initiative is a voluntary option that operates independently of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. She added that individuals who leave under this program may still be eligible to return to the U.S. legally in the future.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way,” Noem said.
