Operation Scheduled Departure: Immigrants, Deport Yourselves

By Suman Raghunathan

Could the nation's undocumented immigrants please stand up? The government will be happy to deport you.

In a move that speaks to the bind policymakers find themselves in these days on the issue of immigration -- jostled between the complexity of the issue, its deep politicization and the lack of vision Washington leaders have brought to the topic in the post 9/11 era -- the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) will encourage the nation's roughly 12 million undocumented immigrants to simply volunteer to turn themselves into immigration authorities for deportation in the coming months.

ICE Director Julie Myers leaked the new federal effort on Univision this past Sunday at the end of an interview with Jorge Ramos, the anchor of the popular public affairs show "Al Punto" and in advance of an anticipated formal announcement next week.

Entitled "Operation Scheduled Departure," the still-unannounced program would allow undocumented immigrants without criminal records to turn themselves in at Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices nationwide. In exchange for "self-deporting," the immigrants would be processed and get a few weeks to pack their belongings and get their affairs in order before leaving the country -- without being put in a detention facility.

The program does not provide any other incentive for undocumented immigrants to volunteer to leave the country through the program.

What's interesting is Myers' announcement of the program on national television to only Univisión. There have been no other announcements about the program to the mainstream media from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the enforcement arm of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for deporting undocumented immigrants.

The Houston Chronicle picked up on the Al Punto news segment but was unable to get comments on the policy from ICE or Department of Homeland Security officials in San Antonio, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.

In her interview with Ramos, Myers noted that ICE deported approximately 274,000 undocumented immigrants last year, an agency record.

Myers' announcement comes on the heels of a wave of controversial immigration raids nationwide, and is reportedly in response to comments from immigrants in deportation proceedings who said they would prefer to "self-deport" rather than be confined in federal detention centers. A national debate on federal deportation policies was sparked in particular by a May 2008 raid in Postville, Iowa, which was the largest single immigration enforcement action in the nation's history and rounded up nearly 400 undocumented meatpacking plant workers. Testimony from Erik Camayd-Freixas, a federally appointed interpreter for many of the immigrants and a Florida International professor, sparked questions about immigrants’ due process in the proceedings.

Immigrant rights and immigrant restrictionist groups alike scoffed at the plan's impracticality, noting that many undocumented immigrants have family roots in the U.S., including children who are American citizens.

"Just when you thought the Bush Administration would ride quietly into the sunset, along comes another harebrained scheme that can't have been carefully thought out. We are not going to deport our way out of our current immigration mess, nor is it likely that most or even many of the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants here will choose to leave on their own," said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum in a press release.

Read more at Feet in 2 Worlds, where this piece originally appeared.

Comments

[cynara]

Well, this is funnily incoherent. Since, here in San Diego, immigration officials were raiding cars heading SOUTH just yards in front of the border. Thats right, they were arresting people for deportation that were leaving on their own, and, if someone had been nice enough to give them a ride to the border, that person was being arrested as a immigrant smuggler.

Our immigration system and programs - absolutely incoherent.

[clr2]

Were these people leaving for good or just going down south to visit family and friends? I don't care where ILLEGAL ALIENS are or where they come from they need to be deported now! We are spending too much money to educate and provide health care for people who don't belong here.

[larry278]

I'm waiting for somebody who has a better knowledge of Spanish than I have to make up something to replace the old Sapnglish term 'migra' since the old INS is kaput. The ICE offers no to very little cold comfort to anybody caught in the snares of ICE. There must be a bi-linguil combo ad person, rap poet or poet around to work the name, Immigration [&] Customs Enforcment [agency/police] into what will soon become a nasty Spanish name. La migra fue el bracero o el diablo. Necitimous un nuevo nombre para las terorista de ICE. We need a new name since the old migra has been thrown into the trash & has gone to hell. We need a new Spanglish name for the terrorists of ICE.

[clr2]

"Terrorists of ICE"? ICE needs to do their job and deport all ILLEGAL ALIENS no matter where they come from. The ILLEGAL ALIENS not the ICE officers are the ones who are in the wrong. These people are draining out country dry. They all need to go home.

[Knowitall]

I am liberal, but I am torn about this issue. Yes, many (not all), are coming here to find a better life, but what about those who are left behind in their native countries? The wives, children and parents? I think I'd prefer to have my family together.
What happens to a country when half or more of its, young, productive, predominantly male workers leave the country to work somewhere else? Wouldn't the better solution be to stay and help grow the economy at home??
(I saw a recent documentary where many of the family members left behind refuse to do the menial jobs available in the home country, because they live well enough on the checks from the US and don't have to work. If that's true, than coming north is counterproductive for those families.)

Also, what happens in the "host" country when it has legions of unidentifiable young (under 30), men, largely uneducated, many unmarried, with too few women to accommodate them, roaming about after work--or with no work? I'm trying not to suggest anything here, but are we setting ourselves up for disaster?

I could go on--but I won't, because I'm struggling with this......

But my main concern, besides obvious security issues, is identity theft? Those fake SSN numbers, drivers licences, birth certificates, etc. could be your identity or mine. And a few may have malicious intentions, not just getting a job at Walmart. How do you know?
This is a serious.

[Mexitli]

Where would we be without Europeans?

You've stolen our:

political system
legal system
economic system
religion
language
children
history
land
continent

and have just left us to rot.
and now you are our victims?

thanks.

[Trilby]

Todays NYT had an article about illegals deciding to go home, due to slow-down in the sectors where they usually get jobs (housing, for one). So I guess they will self-deport when the incentives to stay dry up. Oh, well. I guess I'll have to mow my own lawn, wash my own dishes, and care for my own kids.

[Mexitli]

The U.S. economy will suffer more than you having to mow your own lawn.

Apparently, that represents no opportunity cost for you.

Bad news (for you), Mexicans are sending money to their relatives here in the U.S. to keep them afloat until the economy improves.

[Mexitli]

No Meso-American is illegal in his/her own continent.

We have been roaming this land for 20 thousand years.

And long after the Euros are gone we will still be here.

[MagisterLudi]

And you were yourself illegal immigrants from Siberia taking away the lands from the local inhabitants.

[Mexitli]

Well, not exactly. There was no one here when we came.

[Mexitli]

That is incorrect.

[clr2]

You can "roam" legally. Why not try going into any other North American country to live and work and get a free education and health care and find out where it gets you? Post your findings here - I can't wait to hear about it.

[Mexitli]

I've done so.

Only grade school is "free" in the United States. It is paid for by the taxpayer.

In Mexico, the same education costs 70 cents per child per year.

Health care? Give blood and the health care is "free" in Mexico.

If you are insinuating that undocumented migrant Meso Americans do not pay taxes in the United States then you are mistaken.

[chicago25624]

I'll drive!

[shadow322]

When are we going to realize that tens of thousands of career criminals and mentally ill are fleeing their own country to settle here in the United States for a while. They come here and are allowed to name themselves without any research or verification of who they really are. No wonder M-13 is the largest and fastest growing gang on this continent! No wonder 30% of our violent crimes are committed by persons illegally here! No wonder abduction and ransom are the fastest growing crimes in the southwest. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO PUT A STOP TO THOSE POLITICIANS WHO SO EASILY SELL OUT THEIR OWN CITIZENS IN HOPES OF GAINING MORE VOTES? WHEN?

[sparkandy]

My friend and I have decided to go to Mexico as illegal immigrants. We're old and neither one of us can face another winter like the last one that started in early Dec and didn't end until almost May.

[Deaninphilly]

I hear if you sneak into Mexico, they give you free health care, a check each month, free housing and a host of other advantages that even its citizens don't get.

[geobushono]

Me too, I live on the Border and I decided it's cheaper for me to vacation in Mexico, than to stay here. I think I'll probably leave in Oct.
Diesel fuel in Mexico is HALF the price of here.
I can fulltime w/my truck camper for 6 months for the same price as staying here in El Paso......­.
loading the laptop with lots of ITunes free podcasts of Spanish Lessons.
Hasta la vista baby.

[Mexitli]

You do not need to go as illegal immigrants.

The proper visa is easily available for those who would like to visit 6 months and for those who would like to seek employment.

And also for those who would like to become naturalized.

All visas are renewable in 6 month increments.

[bobo5]

All I want is our government is have a law and obey it. I have no problem with Mexican citizens working in the US as long as they have a passport with a visa and obey the law.

The issue is exploitation. I'm a naturalized citizen.

[abouttime]

Explotation is the corporate creed. It has taken our givornment from the people.
It has now advertized fear and blame on others less tennacious in making money, without considering morality, ethics or the long term negative effects on America.
ICE must be de-funded and abolished. ICE reminds me of the SS in the 1930's Germany.
Love and honor all people as your brother and sister and we will all get what we need.
Hey, if its money, stop "war incorpoated"

[bobo5]

I visited a friend who moved to Bisbee, Arizona in May. It was my first trip in that state. The wall is a populist shame made out of imported steel that solves nothing. Es la valla de verguernza. Es un simbolo de la estupidez.­.

Something tells me Bisbee is going to Obama. You can just smell it in the air outside historic taverns.

[max08]

Bet you aren't Canadian or Mexican. Bet you came from a country other than these two, Because people who want to emigrate here or stay for a year or two can get a visa in a few weeks or months. It takes YEARS, sometimes ten years, for that to happen with our neighbors to the north and south. Unless you're rich or a nurse.

[bobo5]

I came here on the Queen Mary via Montreal, Canada based on the whims of my father. My mother did not want to come here. I naturalized on my own as an adult. I had no choice in my circumstances.

[bobo5]

My visa for admittance as a permanent legal resident was issued in London before I even got here.

[Deaninphilly]

Bet you really don't understand immigration at all. Bet you don't realize that Mexico has one of the highest percentages of visas issued compared to other countries where their citizens are allowed to emigrate into the U.S. So please do spare me the vague racist remarks. But that doesn't seem to stop the Mexicans at all. They just sneak across anyway and then expect the U.S. Taxpayer to pay for everything.

[bbfatima]

I have a problem when they undercut the wages of US citizens. I also have a problem when they are territorial about jobs, meaning Mexicans believe that they more rights to a job in the US than a Bolivian for instance, or for someone from Timbuktu for that matter. I have a problem when they create their own self employment act by forming communities where no one speaks English (and don't care to) and then only employ other Mexicans (or Latinos) out of group affinity.

I am a liberal democart, but enough is enough.

[observing]

I don't think the word "immigrant" should be used at all. These are illegal aliens... that has ZERO to do with immigration. Thru either disregard for US law, laziness, impatience, arrogance or their own homeland oppression they chose not to wait in line like millions of others who went thru the process legally.

[abouttime]

Who are these people you demonize?
Its not the money that drives anti-immigrant crowd to hate and blame others, but rather ignorance about the bankruptcy of out commonwealth; about the corporate greed and neocon wars that kill and drain our resources while the rich get richer while the rights of everyone go to hell.

[max08]

Ohhh, the old laziness line.

The "millions who went thru the process legally" only had to stand in line for a few months. Not so Canadians or Mexicans.

You dont have a clue what you're talking about.

[kkuate]

The person that is landscapping our communities, the kitchen workers at your local Olive Garden, the one working at the carwash down the street, the lady that cleans our politician's home, and millions more, could never have been granted an audience with an overseas American Consulate immigration officer... That overplayed tune of "wait in line like million of others" is as false as a Bush speech, and those uneducated latino farm workers could never be given the opportunity to come to the US the legal way. So, they're here without legal documents.

I do not blame intolerant citizens for wanting some order and legality in our immigration processes, but at the same time, I can't fault the poor people from the world, who have nothing to lose, and risk sometimes their lives for the opportunity to make it to El Norte to provide and feed their families..­. Being rude and abusive to this undocumented people is just inhumane.

Republicans usually leave the heart out of most social issues... If I am ever in need of a heart transplant, I want one from a Republican organ donor. -- It's never been used.

[Deaninphilly]

Oh please, who did all that before the ILLEGALS started driving down the wages of those jobs? Oh, that's right AMERICANS and those who were here LEGALLY in this country. Do spare me your BS.

That is such bull, poor or not they can file the paperwork just like everyone else does. Do you think all those people from other countries have money coming out their arse? No. I do blame them and have every right to do so. They broke the law, PERIOD! Illegal is Illegal.

[loofa]

Until all the non native americans leave, we are all unwanted immigrants and we do not have the right to act as though we are any better than these poor people who have to live with constant fear of being treated like criminals. Take a deep breath and try to find some shred of compassion. None of you are better just because you happened through luck to be born here.

[clr2]

We aren't saying we are "better than" we are saying we don't want to spend our money to provide an education and health care to people who don't belong here - who didn't come here legally. We don't want to press a number to hear directions in English - I don't want to have to read signs in a language other than English. If I wanted to do that I would move to another country LEGALLY.

[Destin]

If they came here illegally, good intentions or not, put their butts out and put them on terrorist lists to prevent them ever becoming legit immigrants. Anyone who brazenly breaks one law, like they have done, won't stop with just that.

If they wanna come here via legit methods, they can get in line like everybody else, and like how our forefathers did over the centuries.

[max08]

It's a civil law they're breaking. Like jaywalking.

[clr2]

ILLEGAL ALIENS no matter where they come from should be deported. If they want to do it themselves fine if not the government needs to step in and deport them.

[1differentdrummer]

Now the Bush economy makes sense to me! If we hit a real recession, as it appears we will, things will be so bad here that illegals will go back home. That must be the plan. Why else would Republicans wreck the economy?

[sparkandy]

Never thought of it that way. And how about some of us go to Mexico as illegals? If I sell everything I own, cash out my retirement, I'll have enough to live simply in a warm climate till I die.

[MagisterLudi]

Bush Admin. was a abysmal in Jonathan Swiftian level of satirical. This one is approaches Rabelais level of silliness.

[themodernleader]

Within a declining organization, opportunity at all levels of competence declines. And the organization's members who are highly motivated and often highly competent, head for the exits. this may be the first time in our history when Americans and illegals alike walked away from an enterprise that consistently fails to address its most basic issues. The selfishness, self-interest and power hungry behavior of our despised leaders risk the future of the Republic. What has happened to patriotism and sacrifice for country over private interests? What has hppened to our memory of those who sacrificed and unquestioningly sacrificed everything for this broken Republic? I wish I knew. But the roots keep going back to the treasonous doctrine of the Bush family which has been emulated by the Republican Party and some leaders of the Democratic Party. That doctrine includes the quest of dynasty, plutocracy and inherited authority through any means at any cost.

[abouttime]

Thanks themodernleader.
My deepest sentiments are those you just conveyed. I know many great people in the US feel the same as you - and I. It is gratifying that others feel the same weight of a machine out of our seeming control.
The greedy corporate and government "leaders" must be brought to acknowledge there cowardess, in lieu of the rationalization that must occur in depriving equal protection under the laws of this once great nation to all people - We the People- and irrespective of color, money, status, religion, or where we are from and live. If the trend continues change will be demanded and how these demands WILL be met is another question for thought.