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Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics, Travel
Liv Bridge
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics, Travel
Donald Trump is planning to offer illegal immigrants an 'exit bonus' with a 'free flight' out of the country if they 'self-deport'.
It's no secret that the Trump administration is on a mission to cut immigration in the US at whatever cost.
Whether its utilizing an old 18th-century wartime law to fuel mass deportations, inflicting high tariffs on neighboring countries to encourage their cooperation in stopping migration, attempting to revoke humanitarian parole to some 500,000 people or sending migrants accused of crime into El Salvador's mega-jail, it seems the POTUS is exploring all avenues.
Now that Trump has faced some legal backlash from the Supreme Court over some of these controversial methods, the president signed an executive order on Friday (May 9) to launch a new self-deport scheme.
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The program, called 'Project Homecoming', will offer free government-funded flights plus a financial incentive for illegal immigrants who volunteer to leave the country.
The order stipulates 'illegal aliens' have a choice: to willingly leave 'with federal support and financial assistance' or 'face strict enforcement and penalties'.
Those who choose to self-deport can do so via a new CBP Home app which the order states provides 'government-funded flights at no cost' to migrants without legal status in the US, including those who lack valid travel documents.
The app even offers a 'concierge service' at airports in the US to help them book travel and claim their 'exit bonus'.
They don't even need to return to their home country either, as the president said they can go 'anywhere' in the world, 'as long as it's not here'.
Announcing the move, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Today, I signed an Executive Order to launch the first-ever self-deportation program. Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including - sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion. TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT RIGHT NOW!"
In a video, the president explained: "We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America.
"Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country."
He continued: "We have also launched a phone app called CBP Home, that's CBP Home, where illegals can book a free flight to any foreign country. As long as it's not here, you can go anywhere you want."
Talking about the financial boost, Trump said the 'exit bonus' is to 'further incentivize their self-deportation'.
"This deportation bonus will save American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars," he continued.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated earlier this week that the 'exit bonus' would come to around $1,000 per person, which they will receive once their arrival to their chosen country has been confirmed in the app.
"Eventually, when the illegals are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars," Trump added.
As for migrants who pass up on the opportunity, Trump issued a stark warning that they will be met with aggressive punishment.
He warned: "However, if illegal aliens choose to remain in America, they're remaining illegally and they will face severe consequences.
"Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties, confiscation of all property, garnishment of all wages, imprisonment and incarceration and sudden deportation in place and manner solely of our discretion."
"So, to all illegal aliens, book your free flight right now. We want you out of America, but if you're really good, we're gonna try and help you get back in," Trump concluded.