ICE set to unveil new immigration program

SAN ANTONIO, July 30 (UPI) -- U.S. officials are refusing to release details about a new program set to be unveiled next week which would allow illegal immigrants to "self-deport."

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Julie Myers has told a Spanish-language television network that the plan involves permitting illegals without criminal records to turn themselves in, the San Antonio Express-News reported Wednesday.

Myers said officials came up with the idea to allow illegal immigrants to "self-deport" after hearing detainees say they would rather go home than spend time in immigration prisons.

ICE officials in San Antonio, Dallas and Washington refuse to elaborate on the program, saying no details will be made available before next week's official presentation, the newspaper reported.

Immigration advocates say such a plan has no chance of succeeding unless it offers some carrots to deportees.