News Summary
Amid increased immigration enforcement, many undocumented immigrants in San Diego are choosing self-deportation. One case highlights Etelvina Lázaro, who left her life in the U.S. to reunite with her deported husband, reflecting a growing trend where individuals prioritize family over remaining in the country. The federal initiative ‘Project Homecoming’ is also encouraging this decision by offering incentives for voluntary return, which has seen significant engagement. This emotional choice underscores the complex and often painful realities faced by immigrants navigating the challenges of U.S. immigration policies.
San Diego is experiencing an increase in undocumented immigrants opting for self-deportation amidst heightened immigration enforcement measures in the United States. One notable case involves Etelvina Lázaro, a 54-year-old grandmother who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. Following her husband’s deportation by federal immigration agents in July, Lázaro decided to leave her established life in San Diego and return to Mexico to reunite with him.
Her husband, Margarito, was detained and subsequently deported mid-July. In a tough personal decision, Lázaro chose to leave behind her grown children and grandchildren to be with her husband. Alongside her son, she approached the Tijuana border with a firm resolve to return home, having already made her decision.
The federal government has initiated a program called Project Homecoming, which encourages undocumented immigrants to voluntarily return to their countries of origin. Launched in May, this program offers various incentives via the CBP Home mobile app, including a $1,000 exit bonus, arrangements for flights back home, and an exemption from fines. This initiative aims to facilitate self-deportation as a means to avoid detention and the associated social embarrassment.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security noted that “tens of thousands” of undocumented immigrants have utilized the CBP Home app, with data showing approximately 25,000 departures recorded. However, it remains unclear how many individuals, like Lázaro, left quietly without engaging with the program. While Lázaro was not informed of the CBP Home process, her decision was driven by the wish to reunite with her husband rather than the fear of detention.
Local immigration attorney María Chávez reported that many of her clients have also opted for self-deportation following their arrests. This trend appears to be common as community ties and solidarity have played significant roles in supporting those making the difficult choice to leave.
As Lázaro prepared for her departure, her church group organized a farewell gathering, showcasing strong community support. She packed her life into three suitcases and two large bags, which contained cherished family photos and personal items belonging to her husband. The emotional weight of leaving was profound, particularly concerning the separation from her children, as Lázaro expressed her deep sadness regarding their parting.
Her son, José Peña, supported her decision, emphasizing that it was time for Lázaro to reconnect with her husband. Their future plans include relocating to Tijuana to facilitate easier visits from their family members. Upon her arrival in Michoacán, Lázaro reunited with her husband and mother, who she had not seen for decades, marking an emotional homecoming.
The town of San Francisco Uricho, where Lázaro is now staying, has undergone significant changes since she last lived there. Prominent feelings of nostalgia juxtaposed with the challenges of adapting to life in her old hometown have left Lázaro navigating mixed emotions. As the landscape of immigration policy continues to evolve in the United States, individual stories like Etelvina Lázaro’s reflect the multifaceted realities faced by vulnerable populations.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: ICE Detains Parents of Marine
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Her Husband Was Deported
- Google Search: Immigration Enforcement USA
- Times of San Diego: ICE Ankle Bracelets Monitoring
- Google Scholar: Immigration Policy USA
- NBC San Diego: Faith Leaders Monitor Deportation Hearings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
