Self-Deportation Program a New Step for ICE, But How Effective Will It Be?
While unable to complete comprehensive immigration reform to overhaul limits and restrictions on immigrant workers and undocumented immigrants in the United States when it became the hot issue of 2005 and 2006, the federal government has instead turned to law enforcement tactics to uphold immigrations laws as they currently exist.
This approach has developed, however, into something more comprehensive, with the controversial strategy to engage local law enforcement officials with the task of checking immigration status and detaining those without legal status.
Thus far, these enforcement efforts have done little to move the issue of reform toward either a more restrictive or less restrictive policy; an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants still reside and work in the U.S. despite these concerted efforts toward identifying and deporting those without legal status.
With all this considered, a new tactic has been announced by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to encourage those in the country without legal status to turn themselves in for deportation without repercussions.
Called “Operation Scheduled Departure,” the program is being touted as a compromise of interests designed to expedite deportation proceedings for immigrations with illegal status.
Between August 5 and August 22, immigrants who have ignored deportation orders can call a toll-free number set up for the purpose of the program in order to turn themselves in, no questions asked. Then, these individuals will have up to 90 days to put their personal affairs in order before they are required to leave.
Further stipulations apply: persons who choose to “self-deport” will have to sign a statement waiving their right to apply for legal residence in the future. Deportation orders issued for individuals due to criminal records disqualify a person for the program as well.
In exchange for self-deporting, the person will avoid being detained for up to one month awaiting deportation and will have the opportunity to make arrangements with family before leaving. While not exactly a “compromise”—they still must leave the country—these features will undoubtedly attract the attention of many who face deportation.
Yet critics of the program haven’t been vocally opposing it, primarily for the fact that they believe it will, in fact, not attract as many immigrants facing deportation as the government believes.
Those with relatives who have legal status may not wish to jeopardize the standing of these individuals, and those facing deportation who need work in the U.S. likely will refuse to give up what work they do have.
Either way, if they choose to self-deport or have authorities deport them if caught, they leave. It might be worth it to many to just try to avoid being caught and keep their jobs.
Five cities are included in this pilot program, which applies to around half a million undocumented immigrants. In order to comply with the program’s requirements, individuals must visit an ICE office in Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina; San Diego, California; or Santa Ana, California.