The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has carried out the first charter flight under its newly launched Homecoming program, which offers voluntary repatriation for undocumented migrants.
The flight from Houston transported 64 migrants to Honduras and Colombia. All participants chose to return home voluntarily.
Launched in early May, the Homecoming initiative allows migrants to register their departure using the CBP Home mobile app. Each individual receives $1,000 in financial assistance and retains the possibility of legally returning to the United States.
DHS officials view voluntary return as safer and more humane than standard deportation. According to the agency, it reduces the risk of arrest and lowers taxpayer costs by up to 70%, with traditional deportation averaging $17,000 per person.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the U.S. deported 131 migrants to Uzbekistan.
