US Launches Voluntary Deportation Program: $1000 and a Chance at Legal Return

Honduras and Colombia: US Deportees Receive $1000 and Chance at Legal Return. The United States initiated a new voluntary deportation program on May 19, sending 64 immigrants from Honduras and Colombia back to their home countries. The program, known as "Brother, Sister, Go Home," is designed to provide a pathway for those in the US illegally to return home with financial assistance. Each deportee received a $1,000 debit card and the opportunity to apply for legal entry in the future. One deportee, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "It's bittersweet to leave, but the money will help us rebuild our lives." Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized the program's goal of reducing illegal immigration, stating that those who do not participate will face penalties. The program represents a shift in US immigration policy, offering a humane alternative to traditional deportation procedures while still aiming to deter illegal immigration.