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(CMC) — The United Nations (UN) International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that it has been asked by the Donald Trump administration to help undocumented Caribbean and other migrants to return to their home countries, if they want to do so.
The UN agency said in a statement that it is supporting Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) — not deportation — for those who decide to leave the North American country.
“At the request of the United States (US) Government, IOM is helping people who register to go back to their countries of origin voluntarily.
“AVR is a well-established, rights-based approach that helps migrants navigate complex global migration systems, regain control over their lives and make informed choices. 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 said, making it clear that Washington determines its own policies on migration.
“IOM does not facilitate or implement deportations. Our involvement begins only after an individual gives informed consent to receive assistance.”
IOM said in these instances, it “ensures that people have access to accurate information and essential services, in line with international standards”.
The announcement comes as the US seeks to expand deportation of undocumented Caribbean and other migrants in continuation of a policy President Trump began nearly 10 years ago under his first administration.
IOM said that since Trump returned to office in January for a second term, he has been “cracking down on illegal immigration through raids, detentions and deportations”.
In a video posted on social media last Friday, Trump said that he had signed an executive order “to launch the first-ever self-deportation programme for illegal aliens”, offering free flights from the US and payment of an “exit bonus”.
IOM, which was established in 1951, said it promotes “humane and orderly migration”, and that for decades it has supported AVR programmes in more than 100 countries, “helping people without resources, legal options or support return to their countries of origin safely and with dignity”.
IOM noted that, in the US, “many migrants face a challenging reality, navigating complex systems with limited options and resources”, and “this initiative provides support to those who choose to return, helping them make a life-changing decision with care and clarity”.
In the interim, Make the Road New York (MRNY), an immigrant advocacy group, has described the self-deporting policy as “cruel, and deeply misleading and deceitful”.
MRNY’s Deputy Director, Natalia Aristizabal, said that, “while the US Department of Homeland Security claims self-deportation may help people return to the United States lawfully, the truth is that it has taken no steps to ensure people who leave do not get in absentia removal orders, and it does not even acknowledge the major barriers to return triggered by departure”.
“Additionally, the Trump administration has a track record of trying to thwart paths to lawful status, making any supposed promise of return even more fictitious,” she told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“This is just one more act in their cynical strategy to try to conduct the largest mass deportations in US history. While the Trump administration continues to coerce people to leave the country, the fact is that there are millions of people who have built their lives and their families in this country that they consider their home.
“Immigrants are an integral part of our communities and our workforce, and have established deep roots here, many going back decades. Anyone considering leaving the United States with the hope of returning should consult with a trusted immigration attorney and receive legal advice on how it will affect their status and options,” Aristizabal added.
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