Story perspectives

DHS Offers $2,500 to Unaccompanied Migrant Teens for Departure

10/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security plans to offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers in the United States a $2,500 payment for voluntary departure.
The option targets 17-year-olds and requires immigration judge approval.
This follows prior incentives for undocumented adults.
Advocates say incentivizing voluntary departure could endanger vulnerable children.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act protects unaccompanied minors in the United States.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security plans to offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers in the United States a $2,500 payment for voluntary departure.
The option targets 17-year-olds and requires immigration judge approval.
This follows prior incentives for undocumented adults.
Advocates say incentivizing voluntary departure could endanger vulnerable children.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act protects unaccompanied minors in the United States.