The Trump administration is offering unaccompanied migrant children $3,000 to voluntarily return to their home countries, expanding an immigration enforcement initiative aimed at protecting minors and reducing illegal immigration.
A Department of Homeland Security official confirmed Tuesday that migrant children ages 14 and older who are in federal custody and have no gang affiliations are eligible for the financial incentive.
The payment represents a $500 increase from the $2,500 offered last year under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is overseeing the initiative, which the department says is intended to protect vulnerable migrant children from exploitation and help reunite them with their families.