The number of illegal immigrants giving up court fights and voluntarily leaving the U.S. is soaring since President Donald Trump took office.
A report by The Marshall Project revealed voluntary departure applications reached a seven-year high of 29,818 last year. The number of applications is double that of the previous year.
The Daily Caller detailed the findings in The Marshall Project report.
The voluntary departures, or those to choose to "self-deport" could be viewed as a victory for the Trump administration, The Marshall Project reported.
It cited these factors for the rise in those volunteering to leave the U.S.:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased its efforts to go after immigrants with no criminal backgrounds.
- Immigrants are possibly becoming more aware of the option and are choosing it over the slim chance of winning a court case and being released from detention.
- Many of those from Mexico choose it because of the dangers involved in deportation. Attorney Marty Rosenbluth said, in deportations, "ICE just dumps you at the border, and you're on your own. If they're granted voluntary departure, individuals are able to fly into Mexico City or closer to home."
Alejandra Garcia Zamarrón, who was in a U.S. detention center before she returned to Mexico, told The Marshall Project that others were considering the option, as well.
"They give up," she said.
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