Trump Launches Self-Deportation Program With $1,000 Travel Incentive For Undocumented Immigrants

In a bold move by the US government, President Donald Trump announced a new initiative offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 and travel expenses if they voluntarily return to their countries of origin.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump disclosed that the administration intends to support undocumented migrants who choose to self-deport through financial assistance and free transportation.

“We plan to provide each individual with a set amount of money and a comfortable flight back to their homeland,” Trump stated. “We will collaborate with them, and if they’re good people—the kind we want in our country—they might be eligible to return legally someday.”

The President emphasized that the new approach will create an opportunity for eligible migrants to re-enter the United States legally in the future.

DHS Secretary Highlights Benefits of Voluntary Return Plan

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expanded on the program, emphasizing that self-deportation is the most secure, humane, and economical method for undocumented migrants to exit the country and avoid arrest.

She noted that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide financial assistance through the CBP Home app, which was developed to facilitate self-deportation procedures.

According to DHS, each participant will receive the $1,000 stipend after their return to their home country is confirmed via the app.

“Self-deportation offers undocumented individuals a dignified route out of the United States while avoiding interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department explained.

Cost-Saving Strategy for Immigration Enforcement

The DHS also highlighted the significant cost-saving aspect of the initiative. Utilizing the CBP Home system and providing financial support could reduce deportation-related expenses by approximately 70%.

Currently, the average cost for arresting, detaining, and removing an undocumented migrant is estimated at $17,121, according to DHS data.

An undocumented individual from Honduras has already successfully used the self-deportation process and returned to their country.

During the White House event, President Trump reiterated his campaign promise to enforce mass deportations and claimed there are around 21 million undocumented immigrants residing in the United States.