WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The CBP’s “Right to Know” campaign seeks to clarify US immigration policy, laws, and border enforcement, all of which have been the subject of intense debate between Republicans and Democrats.
“It is critical that they are aware of the facts behind US immigration policies before risking their lives,” CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske said in the release on Friday attempting to dispel rumors of special permissions given to immigrants.
The campaign is also aimed at dissuading would-be travelers from “embarking on the dangerous trek north only to be returned to their country,” CBP stated.
The campaign includes printable signs warning potential illegal immigrants that those trying to cross the US border without proper documents will be a “priority for immediate deportation” under US immigration law.
The CBP’s information initiative is currently focused on Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, countries with the highest rates of illegal immigration to the United States.
In 2014, the United States saw a surge in illegal immigrants as more than 140,000 unaccompanied children attempted to cross the border.
In November 2014, US President Barack Obama signed an executive order to grant immunity to millions of illegal immigrants. The order was interpreted by critics of the policy as providing immunity or amnesty to those seeking to illegally immigrate to the United States.