Trump advisor Stephen Miller: 1 million undocumented immigrants have self-deported, adding: “If you choose to leave voluntarily, you can return home, apply legally, and receive a $1,000 check.”

Trump advisor Stephen Miller: 1 million undocumented immigrants have self-deported, adding: “If you choose to leave voluntarily, you can return home, apply legally, and receive a $1,000 check.”

The Trump administration has implemented a sweeping new immigration policy that bars undocumented immigrants from seeking bond hearings while facing deportation proceedings. This policy, detailed in a July 8 memo by acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Todd M. Lyons, aims to expand detention capacities and expedite deportations [1].

The policy, which affects millions of immigrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in recent decades, instructs ICE officers to detain such immigrants "for the duration of their removal proceedings," which can last months or even years. Previously, many immigrants living in the U.S. interior were eligible to request bond hearings before immigration judges. However, Lyons stated that the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice have "revisited its legal position on detention and release authorities" and determined that these immigrants "may not be released from ICE custody." Exceptions are made for parole in rare cases, with decisions resting with immigration officers rather than judges [1].

This policy is part of a broader effort to expand civil immigration detention. A congressional spending package allocated $45 billion over four years to increase detention capacity, aiming to accommodate nearly 100,000 people per day. Since the memo's release, bond hearings have been denied in over a dozen immigration courts across various states [1].

Supporters of the policy argue that expanded detention will help expedite deportations and deter fraudulent asylum claims. However, immigration lawyers warn that the new policy applies a legal standard traditionally used at the border to a much wider group, including immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years and may have legal grounds to stay. This makes it harder for these immigrants to access legal help or stay in contact with families [1].

Meanwhile, Trump advisor Stephen Miller has announced that 1 million undocumented immigrants have self-deported, adding that those who choose to leave voluntarily can return home, apply legally, and receive a $1,000 check. This initiative is part of the administration's efforts to reduce the undocumented population and streamline immigration processes [2].

Despite the administration's push, ICE's 2024 annual report stated that the agency detains immigrants only "when necessary," and the majority of the 7.6 million people on its docket were released pending proceedings. However, the recent policy changes and increased funding suggest a shift in enforcement strategies [1].

References:
[1] Sabina Mammadli. "Trump ends bond hearings for undocumented immigrants, expands detention." Caliber.Az. [URL](https://caliber.az/en/post/trump-ends-bond-hearings-for-undocumented-immigrants-expands-detention)
[2] AP News. "Fact-check: Trump immigration crime ICE criminal dangerous violent." AP News. [URL](https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-immigration-crime-ice-criminal-dangerous-violent-99557d9d68642004193a9f4b7668162e)