AILA Statement: Trump Administration Lays Trap with Self-Deportation Offer

Washington, DC – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced a “stipend” for people choosing to self-deport from the United States. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) raised the following concerns:

The government’s recent offer of $1,000 to individuals who voluntarily leave the U.S. is not as simple—or as safe—as it sounds. It is a deeply misleading and unethical trick.

AILA cautions individuals when reviewing the announcement to understand it is deceptive and gives people the impression there are no consequences, such as being barred from returning in the future. No one should accept this without first obtaining good legal advice from an immigration attorney or other qualified representative.

Even the immigration courts are now posting inaccurate information telling people to self-deport, including those who are in the middle of asylum proceedings and have not had their fair day in court. It is unethical for the government to tell people ‘Self-Deportation Is Safe’ but not explain the hardship and legal risks to them, especially for people who do not have an attorney and will not know their rights under the law.