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The Trump administration has announced a new measure offering undocumented immigrants in the U.S. a $1,000 (NZ$1,676) incentive to leave the country voluntarily.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the program would also provide travel assistance and reduce deportation risks for those who use the CBP One app to declare their intent to return home.
The move marks a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, prioritising mass deportations in recent months.
Tonga Prime Minister
Meanwhile, in a separate diplomatic engagement, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Tongan Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Baron Waqa to reinforce the U.S. commitment to the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Eke, is the current PIF Chair, and Baron Waqa is PIF Secretary General.
The Deputy Secretary highlighted that the United States, as a Pacific power, remains committed to engagement with the region and looked forward to deepening cooperation on a range of issues to secure a free, open, and prosperous Pacific region.
The Deputy Secretary, Prime Minister, and Secretary General also discussed expanding opportunities for strengthening commercial ties to promote durable, long term economic growth and development that benefits both Americans and Pacific Islanders.
