The Trump administration has decided to provide a $3,000 voluntary departure incentive to unaccompanied minors who entered the United States illegally.
According to ABC News on the 13th, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials stated that minors aged 14 and older currently held in federal shelters who have no gang affiliations are being offered the $3,000 departure grant. This is a $500 increase from the $2,500 offered last year.
DHS explained that this measure is intended to protect children and prevent exploitation.
A DHS spokesperson stated, “Many of the children who crossed the border without guardians were placed with human smugglers or traffickers,” adding, “We will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure they can be reunited with their families.”
Conversely, immigrant advocacy groups criticized the Trump administration for encouraging departure through financial support while intensifying deportation pressures on children.
Shayana Kadidal, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, an immigrant rights group, expressed concern, saying, “Children are being asked to decide on the spot whether to accept $3,000 in exchange for waiving their legal rights, such as the right to apply for asylum.” She added, “Children may not understand the long-term consequences of such a decision.”
