Trump hires UN migration team for ‘Self-Deportation’ plan
In order to implement its self-deportation scheme for illegal immigrants, the Trump administration has enlisted the assistance of the United Nations migration team. President Donald Trump’s efforts to curb illegal migration are now focusing on the United Nations Office for Migration, which has long advocated for migrant protection worldwide.
The Washington Post said that International Organization for Migration (IOM) officials stated in a statement that the organisation would endeavour to maintain the process’s safety and dignity. It emphasised that rather than deportations, it would assist with “assisted voluntary returns.”
Trump has threatened to impose penalties and jail time on individuals who stay in the country, and he has offered $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who leave on their own will.
The initial round of the procedure, which entails being informed about the program, has seen over 1,000 immigrants sign up. Immigration lawyers have stated that the Trump administration is utilising unorthodox and harsh enforcement tactics to force individuals to leave, despite administration officials’ claims that the program permits immigrants to go with compensation and the chance to return lawfully.
The IOM has helped over 1.5 million refugees return to their home countries, including Syria and Georgia, during the past two decades. However, this is the first time the agency has implemented a voluntary departure program. The United States was the IOM’s biggest donor as of February.
According to The Post, the agency stated that “many migrants in the United States face a challenging reality — navigating complex systems with limited options and resources.” “Those who decide to return are supported by this initiative, which helps them make a life-altering decision with clarity and care.”
The IOM is an “implementing partner,” the Department of Homeland Security informed the publication. Apart from the self-deportation initiative, the Trump administration has deported migrants to a terrorist jail in El Salvador and has contemplated deporting individuals to Ukraine and other dangerous countries. Additionally, it has vowed to imprison any illegal immigrants in the United States.
Despite legitimate asylum petitions or other advantages that might lead to permanent residency or U.S. citizenship, advocates fear that some immigrants may nonetheless depart the country.
The IOM is now the leading intergovernmental agency in the UN system dealing with migration issues. It was founded in 1951 to coordinate the relocation of Europeans after World War II.
The Migration Policy Institute think tank told The Post that the IOM had “safe mobility” offices under former President Joe Biden. These were local processing hubs that assisted individuals in locating legal migration possibilities. In 2021, the group criticised the “Remain in Mexico” policy, calling it “inhumane.” During his first term in office, Trump implemented the policy, which requires asylum claimants to remain outside the United States while their applications are being processed.
In January, he gave the administration the order to resume the policy.
“Our role is to ensure that those who lack the means to return on their own can do so in a safe, dignified, and informed way,”
the IOM told The Post.
“IOM does not facilitate or implement deportations.”
In order to ensure that individuals are informed of their options, the organisation’s “assisted voluntary return” method in Latin America consists of an orientation for immigrants followed by a case worker interview. Employees may also assist immigrants with trip planning, lodging, food, and other forms of assistance. Whether the organisation plans to provide the same services to immigrants in the United States is yet unknown.
