What is Self-Deportation, Trump’s Policy Used by Indian Student to Leave US?
In a shocking turn of events, an Indian doctoral student named Ranjani Srinivasan has left the United States voluntarily using a unique policy implemented by the Trump administration. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of self-deportation and its differences from voluntary departure, and explore the circumstances that led to Ranjani’s decision to leave the country.
What is Self-Deportation?
Self-deportation is a policy launched by the Trump administration in 2019, which allows non-citizens to leave the United States voluntarily using the “CBP Home” app. This app is designed for individuals who no longer wish to remain in the country and want to depart without going through the lengthy and often complex process of voluntary departure, which involves an immigration judge.
The self-deportation policy is based on the idea that individuals who have no legal right to remain in the country should be able to leave voluntarily, without being forced to stay. This approach aims to reduce the burden on the immigration system and streamline the process of removing unwanted individuals from the country.
How Does Self-Deportation Work?
To use the self-deportation policy, individuals must first download the “CBP Home” app and create an account. Once logged in, they must declare their financial status, including any assets they may have in the United States, as well as their passport status. This information is used to determine whether the individual has sufficient funds to support themselves upon departure and whether they have a valid passport to travel back to their home country.
After submitting this information, the individual is required to make a declaration of intent to depart, stating that they wish to leave the United States voluntarily. This declaration is then reviewed by immigration officials, who verify the individual’s financial and passport status.
If the individual is deemed eligible, they will be issued a departure order, which outlines the terms of their departure, including the date and time they must leave the country. Individuals who fail to comply with the departure order may face serious consequences, including detention and deportation.
The Case of Ranjani Srinivasan
Ranjani Srinivasan, a 28-year-old Indian doctoral student, recently used the self-deportation policy to leave the United States. Ranjani’s visa was revoked by the US government after she was accused of supporting Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization.
According to reports, Ranjani was involved in a Facebook group that shared anti-Israel content and had also attended a conference that was allegedly sponsored by Hamas. As a result, her visa was revoked, and she was ordered to leave the country.
Rather than going through the lengthy and complex process of voluntary departure, which could take months or even years, Ranjani chose to use the self-deportation policy to leave the United States voluntarily. She downloaded the “CBP Home” app, submitted her financial and passport information, and made a declaration of intent to depart.
What is the Difference Between Self-Deportation and Voluntary Departure?
While both self-deportation and voluntary departure involve individuals leaving the United States, there are significant differences between the two processes.
Voluntary departure, also known as “voluntary departure from the United States,” is a formal process that involves an immigration judge. In this process, individuals are given a deadline to depart the country and are required to report to an immigration judge to confirm their departure.
The voluntary departure process can be lengthy and complex, and individuals may be required to appear before an immigration judge multiple times. In addition, individuals who choose to depart voluntarily may be eligible for certain benefits, such as the ability to re-enter the United States in the future.
In contrast, self-deportation is a faster and more streamlined process that does not involve an immigration judge. Individuals who use the self-deportation policy must submit their financial and passport information and make a declaration of intent to depart, but they do not have to appear before an immigration judge.
Conclusion
Ranjani Srinivasan’s decision to use the self-deportation policy to leave the United States voluntarily has raised questions about the effectiveness of this policy in addressing immigration issues. While self-deportation may be a faster and more streamlined process than voluntary departure, it also raises concerns about the rights and due process of individuals who are being removed from the country.
As the debate surrounding immigration continues to unfold, it is essential to understand the different policies and processes that are available to individuals who are facing removal from the United States. Whether you are an individual who is facing deportation or an immigration lawyer working with clients who are going through this process, it is crucial to understand the options that are available and the implications of each.
