The United States (US) administration has announced an offer of $1,000 (RM4,231) to any foreign immigrant who agrees to voluntarily return to their country of origin.
US President Donald Trump decided to implement the following initiative because the method is considered cheaper, safer and more effective for illegal immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told foreign immigrants who want to return will be given cash and travel assistance if they use the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) application.
In addition, the payment will be re-imposed after their return is confirmed through the application.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the voluntary return of foreigners to their country of origin is a safe way to leave the US and help illegal immigrants avoid detention.
Noem said that the voluntary return strategy is not only more dignified but also allows the migrant community to avoid detection by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE).
Noem said that with millions of foreign nationals living in the US, this measure would significantly reduce the cost of deporting illegal immigrants by more than two-thirds of the usual cost.
On average, the cost of detaining, processing and sending a migrant to their country of origin reaches $17,121 (RM7,239).
She also commented that the strategy could save about 70 percent of American tax costs and is the safest option for authorities and foreign immigrants who want to return.
Overall, the program is likely to help foreign nationals return to the US legally in the future.
