Key Takeaways
• Trump’s Project Homecoming offers immigrants $1,000 to leave U.S. voluntarily with government-covered flights and support.
• CHNV parole ends April 25, 2025, affecting over 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans nationwide.
• One million annual deportations planned with 20,000 new officers and expanded enforcement including sensitive locations.
In May 2025, a Nicaraguan family living in Winooski, Vermont, made the painful choice to leave the United States and return to Nicaragua. Their decision came after receiving a notice from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Trump’s new immigration directives, which have led to a surge in self-deportations and heightened fear among immigrant communities. This Vermont case offers a clear window into how sweeping federal policies can reshape the lives of ordinary families, disrupt communities, and challenge the values of local institutions.
Why Did the Nicaraguan Family in Vermont Leave?
The Chavarria family’s story began when Wilmer Chavarria’s brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces moved from Nicaragua to Vermont in 2024, hoping for a better future. Like many others, they sought safety, opportunity, and the promise of the “American dream.” But in April 2025, they received an official notice from ICE: leave the United States or face forced deportation.
Faced with this ultimatum, the family decided to self-deport at the end of April. Wilmer Chavarria, who is the superintendent of the Winooski School District, explained that his family was “lucky” to have a home to return to in Nicaragua. He also pointed out that many families do not have that option and are left with even fewer choices.
Before leaving, the Champlain Valley Union School District made special arrangements for the two nieces. The school held a special graduation ceremony and accelerated their graduation requirements so they could receive their diplomas before departing. Principal Katherine Riley said the ceremony was meant to be “celebratory” and reflect “who they are as young adults.”
The Trump administration has described self-deportation as a “dignified way to leave the U.S.” and is offering a $1,000 incentive to immigrants who submit an “Intent to Depart” through the CBP Home app and have their departure confirmed. However, Chavarria’s family found this offer “insulting” and refused to accept the money.
What Is Project Homecoming?
On May 22, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation launching “Project Homecoming,” a major initiative aimed at encouraging immigrants without legal status to leave the United States voluntarily. This program is a central part of the administration’s broader immigration enforcement strategy.
How Project Homecoming Works
Project Homecoming gives immigrants two main options:
1. Voluntary Departure with Support
– Immigrants can use the CBP Home app (previously called CBP One) to start the departure process.
– The government covers the cost of flights for those leaving.
– Help is provided for those who do not have valid travel documents.
– An airport concierge service assists with booking travel.
– A financial “exit bonus” is offered to those who agree to leave and not return.
2. Enforcement for Those Who Stay
– Immigrants who do not leave face removal proceedings, prosecution, fines, wage garnishment, and even property confiscation.
The proclamation also orders a “full-scale, aggressive deportation surge,” adding 20,000 new officers to target those who do not depart voluntarily.
For more details on voluntary departure and related forms, readers can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official page on voluntary departure.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Policy Changes
Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, his administration has made sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy, affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
Ending Humanitarian Programs
1. CHNV Parole Program Termination
– In March 2025, the administration announced it would end parole status for about 532,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (known as the CHNV program).
– Those affected would lose their legal status if they did not leave by April 25, 2025.
– The Department of Homeland Security said it would consider exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
– The administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to end the program, after a lower court blocked the move.
2. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Changes
– The administration tried to end TPS for Venezuelans, which protected over 350,000 people.
– On March 31, 2025, a federal court temporarily blocked this, allowing Venezuelan TPS holders to stay and work until the lawsuit is resolved.
– The administration has also moved to revoke TPS for people from Haiti, Afghanistan, and Cameroon.
3. Other Program Terminations
– The Central American Minors program was ended.
– Refugee admissions were stopped indefinitely.
– Parole for those who entered through the CBP One app was revoked.
Expanded Enforcement and Punitive Measures
The administration set a goal to deport one million immigrants per year—more than triple the previous record of 267,000 in 2019. To reach this target, several steps have been taken:
1. Increased Enforcement Powers
– Expedited removal (quick deportation without a court hearing) was expanded nationwide.
– Daily arrest quotas were established.
– Immigration enforcement is now allowed at locations previously considered “sensitive,” such as schools and hospitals.
– More local law enforcement agencies are partnering with ICE through 287(g) agreements, letting local officers enforce federal immigration laws.
– Task Force Model agreements were revived, allowing local police to enforce immigration laws during routine duties.
2. New Punishments
– The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now shares data with ICE.
– Undocumented immigrants must register with the government.
– Social Security numbers are being revoked for some individuals.
– Daily fines of up to $998 are imposed for not complying with final removal orders.
3. Border Security
– Border apprehensions dropped sharply to just over 7,000 in March 2025, which the administration claims shows its border policies are working.
For more information on current immigration enforcement policies, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Legal Challenges and Court Battles
Many of these policies are facing legal challenges:
1. CHNV Parole Program
– U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston blocked the administration from ending the CHNV program, saying the government’s reasoning was “based on an incorrect reading of the law.”
– The Justice Department has appealed to the Supreme Court.
2. TPS for Venezuelans
– A federal court temporarily blocked the end of TPS for Venezuelans, allowing them to stay and work while the case is decided.
3. Other Legal Fights
– The administration is also fighting lawsuits over efforts to deport people accused of being gang members to prisons in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, a law from the 18th century.
How Are Immigrant Communities Affected?
The Trump administration’s policies have caused widespread fear and uncertainty among immigrants. Many families are withdrawing from public life and avoiding essential services, worried that any interaction could lead to deportation.
The Vermont Example
The Chavarria family’s experience in Vermont is just one example of how these policies affect real people:
Family Separation: The family is now split, with some members back in Nicaragua and Wilmer Chavarria remaining in Vermont as a school superintendent.
Educational Disruption: The two nieces had to leave their school in Vermont. The school district worked quickly to help them graduate before they left, but their education and future plans were still disrupted.
Community Response: Local schools and community members stepped up to support the family, showing how communities can respond with compassion even as federal policies create hardship.
Economic and Social Costs: Wilmer Chavarria expressed hope that the country would eventually return to more welcoming policies, saying, “Right now, I think we’re at a low point in how we’re treating each other and how we’re treating vulnerable communities. But, I think the pendulum can also go the other way, and I have faith in the United States that it will do the right thing over time.”
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these stories are becoming more common as families across the country face similar choices under the new enforcement regime.
What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy?
The future of these policies remains uncertain, with several key developments to watch:
1. Supreme Court Decisions
– The Supreme Court’s ruling on the CHNV parole program will affect over 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
2. Implementation Challenges
– Deporting one million people per year is a huge logistical challenge, even with more officers and resources.
3. State and Local Responses
– Some states and cities may resist cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, leading to ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities.
4. Humanitarian Concerns
– Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and HIAS are closely monitoring the situation and challenging policies they believe threaten immigrants’ rights and well-being.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Their Families
If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, here are some steps to consider:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources like USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a qualified immigration attorney to understand your rights and options. Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal help.
- Document Your Status: Keep copies of all immigration documents, notices, and correspondence.
- Know Your Rights: Learn about your rights during encounters with immigration authorities. The ACLU provides helpful resources on this topic.
- Connect with Community Resources: Local schools, churches, and community organizations can offer support and guidance.
Conclusion: The Human Cost of Policy
The story of the Nicaraguan family in Vermont shows how national immigration policies can have deep, personal effects on families, schools, and communities. While the Trump administration’s Project Homecoming and other enforcement measures are reshaping the immigration landscape, they also raise serious questions about fairness, compassion, and the values that define the United States 🇺🇸.
As legal battles continue and communities adapt, the experiences of families like the Chavarrias will remain at the heart of the national conversation about immigration. For many, the hope is that future policies will balance security with humanity, and that the country will find a way to support both its laws and its people.
For more information on voluntary departure and current immigration forms, visit the USCIS Voluntary Departure page.
Official government updates and statistics are available at the Department of Homeland Security.
Learn Today
Project Homecoming → A Trump administration initiative offering voluntary departure support and incentives to undocumented immigrants.
Voluntary Departure → An option for immigrants to leave the U.S. willingly to avoid forced deportation.
CHNV Parole Program → Temporary legal status for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans terminated in 2025.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → Humanitarian protection allowing nationals of certain countries to stay temporarily in the U.S.
287(g) Agreements → Partnerships allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, a Nicaraguan family in Vermont chose self-deportation amid Trump’s harsh immigration policies. Project Homecoming incentivizes voluntary departure with financial support, while enforcement escalates deportations nationwide, disrupting families and communities. Legal battles continue as immigrant families seek stability amid uncertain U.S. immigration reforms and heightened fears.
— By VisaVerge.com
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