The Trump administration is reportedly offering a $2,500 scholarship to teenage immigrants who are voluntarily leaving the United States. This information comes from letters sent by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Refugee Resettlement Office, as referenced by various reports.
According to a letter reviewed by multiple sources, the program targets unaccompanied children aged 14 and older. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) didn’t confirm the financial details when contacted, but mentioned that unaccompanied minors have access to financial assistance if they opt to return home.
ICE provided a statement through Emily Covington, assistant director of the agency’s Public Relations Office, noting that the initiative was initially aimed at those 17 and younger. She highlighted concerns about the number of unaccompanied minors trafficked into the U.S. during the Biden administration and emphasized the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and HHS to ensure these children’s safety.
Covington added that many of these minors had no choice in their dangerous journey and that there are voluntary options for them to return to their families. It should be noted that Mexican minors are not included in this program, which currently applies to children who have already indicated a willingness to leave.
Some immigration advocates have raised alarms about a broader removal campaign informally dubbed “Freaky Friday.” However, ICE has categorically denied this claim, calling it misinformation aimed at inciting violence against federal law enforcement.
This scholarship initiative aligns with President Trump’s broader campaign goals concerning immigration enforcement. Recently, DHS reported that around 2 million illegal immigrants have been either removed or self-reported leaving the U.S. since January 20, marking a significant increase in removals compared to previous years.
Within just over 250 days, it’s estimated that 1.6 million individuals voluntarily reported themselves, while 400,000 were removed by federal authorities, which DHS characterized as a “new milestone.” Additionally, Trump signed an executive order promoting a self-departure program, providing illegal immigrants with options for voluntary departure, often with cash incentives.
The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that this scholarship program is significantly more cost-effective for taxpayers compared to other methods of deportation. In support of this initiative, $250 million was redirected from the State Department to assist in voluntary deportations.
Concerns have been raised about the risks involved with this scholarship, particularly for vulnerable children. Shainauber, the executive director of the Acacia Judicial Center, voiced that the $2,500 could compromise established protections and potentially lead children back into dangerous trafficking situations. She criticized the DHS messaging as confusing and contradictory to laws meant to safeguard minors.
