McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — Undocumented immigrants who leave the United States on their own won’t face daily fines, the Department of Homeland Security has announced.
Immigrants with final deportation orders who self-deport through the CBP Home app will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States, DHS said Monday.
Those who stay in the country despite being told by a court to leave face fines of up to $1,000 per day. However, those fines will be waived, DHS says.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home app to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport now and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way.”
Last month, the agency announced that those who declare they are leaving the country via the CBP Home app can receive free airfare and up to a $1,000 stipend once their return to their home country.
DHS appears to have added waiving of fines as even more incentive as the agency seeks to remove more undocumented immigrants as a priority goal of the Trump administration.
The agency says it also has streamlined the CBP Home app making it “more user friendly.”
Migrant advocates have warned immigrants to consult with an immigration lawyer before self deporting to ensure they can safely return to the United States in the future.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
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