A rising wave of undocumented immigrants is opting to voluntarily exit the United States rather than face the prospect of enforced deportation.
A recent report from The Los Angeles Times highlights that these individuals are increasingly considering the option of leaving the U.S. on their own terms rather than endure the anxiety of detention and deportation processes.
Interestingly, some have already made the leap.
Three months into this trend, quantifying the number of people making the difficult choice to abandon their lives and families established under more lenient enforcement policies is challenging. Many are returning to home countries they haven’t seen in decades.
Even in the progressive enclave of California, where undocumented immigrants often have better access to social services compared to other parts of the country, advocates report an uptick in inquiries from those fearing deportation. Many are contemplating leaving voluntarily.
Luz Gallegos, the executive director of TODEC Legal Center in the Inland Empire, shares that her team has daily discussions with individuals weighing their options. Faced with what she describes as “constant attacks” on immigrant communities, people are asking practical questions: Can they take their cars? What will happen to their children’s education?
“What comes up a lot in the sessions is, ‘Prefiero irme con algo, que irme sin nada,’” Gallegos noted, translating to, “I’d rather leave with something than leave with nothing.”
While precise data on the number of undocumented immigrants departing the country remains elusive, the trend appears to be gaining momentum.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that approximately 5,000 individuals opted to self-deport using a Customs and Border Patrol smartphone application.
“Self-deportation is safe,” the app proclaims. “Leave on your own terms by selecting your departure flight.”
President Trump has been candid about his preference for voluntary departures over forced removals.
In a recent interview, Trump stated his willingness to cover the costs of flights and additional expenses for those returning home.
“We’re going to give them a stipend,” Trump explained during his conversation with Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy.
“We’ll provide them with some money and a plane ticket, and then we’ll work with them,” he elaborated. “If they’re good, if we want them back in, we’ll collaborate to facilitate their re-entry as quickly as possible.”
