This week, the Department of Homeland Security announced travel assistance and a $1,000 payment to certain undocumented immigrants to depart the United States.
However, this option is only available to individuals who do not have lawful status and had an encounter with Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) at the border or between ports of entry at the border, or who have parole that will soon expire.
Thus, it mostly targets people who are likely already in deportation proceedings or are the beneficiaries of parole, not undocumented immigrants in general. If you are undocumented and do not have parole and did not encounter CBP at or near the border, you are not eligible.
Individuals must sign up using the CBP one app, make plans to travel, depart, and then send proof of departure to obtain the $1,000 payment. The government may pay for travel arrangements if the applicant is unable to do so. Detailed instructions are available online: CBP Home | Homeland Security.
The government alleges that immigrants who sign up will not be prioritized for enforcement action, but must depart within 21 days.
Before signing up for this program and departing the United States, potential applicants should consult with an immigration attorney to understand their full immigration options and consequences of departing. Departure from the United States can trigger certain grounds of inadmissibility for unlawful presence, for example.
Moreover, information about how this program and payments will work in practice is not yet available given the recent commencement of this initiative.
This program is separate from the registry requirement. Individuals who register will not receive any payments or immigration benefits.