New ICE program gives non-criminal fugitive aliens opportunity to avoid arrest and detention

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the launch of a pilot program, Scheduled Departure, which will begin next week in five cities. The program allows fugitive aliens who have no criminal history and pose no threat to the community an opportunity to remain out of custody while they coordinate their removal with ICE.

For more information, see http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0807/080731washington.htm

Comment:

It is important to note that this program does not lessen the severity of having a deportation order on one's record, it does not provide for leniency upon seeking return to the U.S., and does not bestow any immigration status. It is merely a way for someone who has an outstanding warrant for his or her deportation to turn themselves in rather than have ICE "hunt them down."