The Trump administration has devised a plan to spend up to $250 million in foreign assistance funds, originally intended for Ukraine and Haiti, on the removal and return of 1.2 million migrants from conflict zones. The proposal would bypass the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and target Ukrainians, Haitians, Afghans, Palestinians, Libyans, Sudanese, Syrians, and Yemenis for voluntary deportation.
Critics say the plan is inhumane and counter to US ideals, as it would push people fleeing war zones back to countries where they are at risk of being killed. Former officials have raised questions about whether this represents a misuse of foreign aid funds designated for refugees and resettlement.
The plan coincides with the administration’s efforts to slash foreign aid, including dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and terminating 80 percent of its programs. The proposal was developed before a recent announcement from the Department of Homeland Security declaring that immigrants who volunteer to “self-deport” could receive $1,000 stipends.
The State Department has acknowledged the plan but declined to comment on specifics, citing the need for compliance with court orders and relevance to relevant policies. Critics argue that the proposal is part of a broader effort to undermine asylum seekers and refugee resettlement programs under the Trump administration.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/20/trump-deporations-ukrainians-haitians