Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has criticized President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security, claiming that its offer of $1,000 for self-reporting illegal immigrants is fundamentally flawed. She suggests that simply leaving the country due to political violence and lack of job opportunities isn’t enough motivation for many.
On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its program, which includes possible travel aid and one-time scholarships for individuals who voluntarily declare their status using the CBP Home App. According to the DHS, this approach could not only help those individuals avoid deportation but could also potentially allow them to return to the U.S. legally in the future. Once they confirm their exit, they’ll receive $1,000. The DHS claims this method is significantly more cost-effective for taxpayers, reducing deportation expenses by about 70%.
“The average cost to arrest, detain, and remove illegal aliens is currently $17,121,” stated DHS.
Crockett has faced backlash for her comments, calling the initiative a “fraud.”
“Offering $1,000 to migrants to leave while undermining the economy is not leadership. It’s simply a scam,” she shared on social media, posting a clip of her reaction.
Crockett expressed her distrust in the current administration during an appearance on CNN, emphasizing, “they’re not reliable when it comes to paying their bills.”
She argued that most individuals entering the U.S. unlawfully are doing so to escape political violence and that the incentive to leave is insufficient. “If you’re returning to a place where you could lose your life, what does $1,000 really mean?” she questioned, indicating that many risk their lives to come to the country.
Additionally, she contended that illegal immigration does not financially burden American taxpayers. “They are working and have been for a while. The real issue is that there are attempts to roll back labor protections for their children, making poor kids do those jobs,” she said, somewhat perplexingly. “We have vacant positions because a lack of support makes workers feel crushed by this failed experiment of tariff wars.”
Crockett has consistently emphasized her concerns for the welfare of illegal immigrants. She also criticized the Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) for his policies regarding immigrants in the state.
President Trump praised his administration’s initiative to facilitate the re-entry of illegal immigrants, stating, “what we were aiming for was self-reporting, and we intend to pay a certain amount to each individual.”
