Self-deportation may take time
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Turn yourself in and get a free pass.
That's the pitch to illegal aliens who otherwise have clean records while here in the United States. They are being offered a chance to self-deport without consequences. They can turn themselves in to U.S. immigration officials, take time to get their affairs in order, and then leave the country. All without being detained.
It's a new federal "self-deportation" program, and at this time, about 457,000 illegals are eligible. So far, the offer -- good through Aug. 22 -- is being tested in Santa Ana, Calif., San Diego, Calif., Chicago, Phoenix, and Charlotte, N.C. It may go nationwide if it lowers illegal immigration numbers.
So far, according to The Associated Press, not many illegals have taken the self-deport offer. In fact, the first day, only one illegal -- in Phoenix -- had participated.
"You would want to be crazy -- who would want to turn themselves in?" illegal Angel Martinez, a construction worker in Charlotte, N.C., told The Associated Press.
Martinez's sentiments may be the norm right now, and it's possible that the self-deportation program may turn out to be a failure. But it's the wrong attitude to have. Allowing a law-abiding illegal to leave the country with his or her dignity intact should be a crucial component of immigration reform.
Consider what normally happens: Law enforcement authorities make surprise, sometimes early-morning visits to homes and businesses, carting off suspected illegals. Often, many otherwise law-abiding illegals also arrested. They can languish in jails for weeks or months. Often young children are forcibly separated from their mothers and fathers. It is heart-wrenching and demeaning.
By contrast, under the self-deportation program, illegals are allowed at least 90 days to make arrangements to return home. If they live beyond Mexico, they may get a one-way plane ticket. Mexicans may receive bus fare to the border. After they have left the U.S., they confirm that with U.S. officials.
The program will relieve immigration courts, which are currently overloaded. Ads promoting the self-deportation also note that compliance with it may improve an illegal's chance to later become a legal U.S. citizen.
In regard to immigration, we know that the status quo cannot remain. We also know it is wrong to be in this country illegally. But we hope the self-deportation program is given a fair chance to work. That will likely require long patience from immigration authorities and increased trust in the program from illegals.
Reader Comments
I had a hard time even reading through this piece. "Illegal aliens" are two words that imply an outsider status. Referring to a gay man as a "perverted sex fiend" would never carry water. Calling a Mormon a "delusional gold chaser" would be seen as inappropriate. The US Attorney's Office has testified that they can not and will prosecute someone in Utah for being here without documents unless they have been deported before. "Illegal" is a misnomer if nobody's able to prosecute. As for the alien label, these "aliens are our neighbors and friends.
Too bad we can't deport the illegals in various Utah communities that practice polygamy. They violate the Utah Contitution and federal laws and suck from the government for public funds when they are wealthy, not to mention the use of religion to cover for their child sexual abuse. They're all 'illegals' to me!
Once again I may sound simplistic but WHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE WORD ILLEGAL?
Law abiding Illegals, What a an oxymoron that is!!!
And if you don't self De-port and we have to round your butt up, don't expect us to be to happy and kind towards you. Illegals don't deserve to be here, they have already broken the LAW!
We should de-port these illegals on Military transports directly to Mexico City where it'll take a while before they can get back here.