The Trump administration utilizes long-standing UN immigration organizations to assist undocumented immigrants in declaring their intentions to return to their home countries.
The government has contracted the International Organization for Migration (IOM), founded in 1951 to aid global resettlement after World War II. This organization plays a key role in facilitating Trump’s self-report initiative, offering guidance and support for immigrants considering a return home.
“In the US, many immigrants face a tough reality,” the IOM noted. “We navigate complex systems with limited resources.” The agency explained that this program aims to provide support for individuals opting to return, helping them make significant decisions with clarity.
Incentives include a $1,000 offer for self-identifying, though a $998 daily fine applies for those who disregard the offer and remain in the US. Those who choose to stay may find themselves on a list that restricts future legal access.
More than 1,000 immigrants have already begun the process of self-deportation for the $1,000 incentive, and the administration expects this number to rise with the IOM’s involvement.
The IOM has assisted over 1.5 million individuals in returning home, yet has never engaged with US immigrants looking to depart previously, despite being the largest funder of such organizations.
The IOM clarified that it has no role in deportation efforts. “Our mission is to ensure that those unable to return on their own can do so safely, with dignity and information,” the agency stated. “We will not endorse deportation.”
Nonetheless, advocates for undocumented immigrants express concerns about potential biases in the information provided by the IOM. “I am genuinely worried about this administration skewing information against certain groups,” remarked Greg Chen, a senior director at the American Association of Immigration Bar Associations.
Additionally, the preference for self-deportation is not shared by many regions outside the US. Recent reports indicate that various small towns abroad have been thriving on remittances—funds sent from undocumented immigrants in the US back to their families—a vital source of income for many communities.
In fact, immigrants living in the United States sent back an astounding $85.8 billion to their home countries in 2023, according to the Immigration Policy Research Institute.
Nicaragua is one of the countries seeing a significant benefit from these remittances, with reports showing that $5.243 billion flowed back from the US, providing essential economic support.
This means potential losses for the US, as money that could have stimulated local economies instead supports families abroad.
The situation also extends to Brazilian towns affected by Trump’s immigration policies. These areas previously developed industries centered on helping locals migrate to the US. Now, with reduced demand, they face economic challenges.
For instance, in Governador Valadares, the community is grappling with an increase in deportations that not only means individuals returning home but also a halt to the financial support previously provided by remittances.
Mayor Sandro Fonseca noted his community previously benefited from around $2 million daily in remittances, but now faces an uncertain financial future as that income source diminishes.
Similar stories are emerging globally as the flow of money from the US decreases, impacting local economies as families return home.
