WASHINGTON, D.C. — IN a bid to encourage self-deportation and reduce the high costs associated with formal removal proceedings, the Trump administration is proposing a new initiative that would offer undocumented migrants up to $1,000 to voluntarily leave the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the plan as a cost-saving measure, estimating that voluntary departures could save the government as much as 70 percent per individual, compared to the typical $17,121 cost of formal deportation.
“Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP Home App,” the department said in a media statement. “Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of $1000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app.”
Since taking office, the Trump administration has aimed to meet deportation targets, particularly focusing on undocumented individuals with violent criminal records.
In its statement, DHS described self-deportation as a “dignified way to leave the U.S.,” allowing undocumented migrants “to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”
According to the agency, the program has already seen initial success. “An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilized the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras. Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week,” the statement said.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. This is the safest option for our law enforcement, [undocumented] aliens and is a 70% savings for U.S. taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”
Migrants who submit their “Intent to Depart” through the CBP Home App will be deprioritized for detention and removal, provided they demonstrate genuine efforts to leave. Participation in the self-deportation program may also preserve the option to legally re-enter the United States in the future.
