U.S., Spain to try “self-deportation” plans for immigrants

Starting next week, U.S. immigration authorities will run a pilot “self-deportation” program for illegal immigrants. Entitled Operation Scheduled Departure, the plan would allow undocumented immigrants to turn themselves in without arrest and would give them three months to make arrangements for their families before deportation.

Supporters of the plan, such as Homeland Security officials and some politicos, have argued that it would save public funds and allow illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. “without any harm.” On the other hand, opponents argue that the program is unrealistic and a weak alternative to widespread reform:

“This sounds like a policy straight out of a Saturday Night Live skit, not a serious proposal," said Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, an immigrant advocacy group. "The idea that millions of people are going to knock on the government's door and ask to be deported is pure fantasy. This is not a solution; this is mass deportation on the cheap, and it just won't work."

Across the Atlantic, Spain will initiate its own “program of voluntary return” next month. Under Spain’s plan, the government would offer financial incentives for unemployed immigrants to return to their countries of origin. The flip-side is that they would have to wait at least three years before reapplying to work in Spain.

Though the Spanish program is designed for legal immigrants, it’s expected to be coupled with upcoming stricter measures against undocumented immigrants.

Image- ABC News

Sources- Guardian UK, On Deadline, newsday.com, South Florida Sun-Sentinel