PETALING JAYA: United States officials have flagged the Asia-Pacific region as an emerging hotspot for illegal immigration, where 17% of undocumented migrants reportedly come from.
This comes as Washington steps up its campaign to promote voluntary returns under a newly launched mobile application.
In a digital press briefing titled "Digital Press Briefing with Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security, and Sean O'Neill, Senior Bureau Official for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US Department of State," both agencies outlined the government's strategy to counter illegal immigration.
The centrepiece of the initiative is the CBP Home app, which enables undocumented migrants to register for self-deportation.
Users of the app will receive a US$1,000 (RM4,270) stipend after their return is confirmed and may also be eligible for financial and travel document assistance.
"Self-deportation is the safest and most dignified way to leave the United States," McLaughlin said during the virtual briefing on Thursday (May 8).
O'Neill said 17% of the illegal immigrant population in the United States comes from the East Asia and Pacific region.
According to him, embassies and consulates across more than 20 countries in the region have been directed to amplify messaging on the risks of illegal migration.
Since February, the US State Department has published editorials and op-eds in over 10 languages as part of its campaign, reportedly generating around 17 million digital engagements, he said.
"We want people overseas to understand the process for legitimate travel, which begins by applying for a visa at the US embassy or consulate.
"We want to make it clear that those who enter or remain in the United States illegally will face serious consequences," O'Neill said.
McLaughlin added that the CBP Home website would soon be updated with additional language support.
"The app is currently only available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. But we will be expanding that," she said.
The two officials reiterated that those who self-deport using the app would be de-prioritised for detention and removal, and would maintain the opportunity to apply for legal re-entry in future.
In contrast, they said individuals who are arrested and forcibly deported may be banned from returning to the United States.
McLaughlin said the programme applies to all undocumented individuals regardless of origin.
She said that while the administration was not targeting legal immigrants, any visa holder found to be in violation of US laws could have their visa revoked.
The officials stressed that the administration's stance is not anti-immigration, but anti-illegal immigration.
"No country supports illegal activity within their borders," O'Neill said.
While several questions were raised during the session about country-specific data, including from Malaysia, the US officials said they did not have a detailed breakdown but would follow up where possible.
More information on the CBP Home programme is available at dhs.gov/cbphome.
