Fear and Self-Deportation: The Human Cost of Immigration Policies

Fear Tactics Drive Undocumented Immigrants to Self-Deportation: A Growing Trend Undocumented immigrants are increasingly leaving the US due to fear, fueled by government rhetoric and the threat of imprisonment in El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison. This trend raises serious ethical and humanitarian concerns. One individual interviewed, a Harvard graduate who immigrated to the US at age ten, described living in constant anxiety over the possibility of being sent to CECOT. He ultimately made the heartbreaking decision to self-deport to Mexico. A 40-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, who arrived in the US in January, also chose self-deportation after struggling to find work and hearing rumors of Venezuelan detainees being imprisoned in El Salvador. "Overwhelmed by fear and isolation," she said, she felt she had no other choice. While self-deportation may save the US money, the emotional toll on those who leave is immense. Many flee their home countries to escape violence, persecution, or poverty, only to face fear and suspicion in the US. The video concludes with a call for people to know their rights and seek legal assistance if they are afraid of deportation. The video highlights the human cost of fear-based immigration policies and underscores the need for more humane and compassionate approaches.