The United States federal government has developed a financial incentive programme to encourage the deportation of underage migrants who are in the country without legal representatives. Teenagers aged 14 and older will receive a cash reward of $2,500 if they voluntarily return to their home country, CBS News reported.
“According to an internal federal memo obtained by CBS News, the US government plans to pay migrant teenagers a $2,500 grant if they decide to voluntarily return to their countries,” the report said.
According to the channel, the programme will only affect teenagers who are under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS). The law requires this agency to place unaccompanied minor migrants in shelters, foster homes or specialised institutions. They remain there until they reach the age of 18 or are transferred to the care of a suitable sponsor, the publication wrote.
“Historically, most unaccompanied children in state custody have been teenagers from Central America who crossed the southern US border without permission and without their parents or legal guardians,” CBS News noted.
The US government intends to encourage the self-deportation of young people who are in the country illegally, which “will allow them to make an informed decision about their future.” Mexican teenagers will not be able to participate in this programme and claim payments, the publication added.
Earlier, the administration of US President Donald Trump asked the US Supreme Court to issue an emergency ruling allowing more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants to be deprived of legal protection.
