The Trump administration is now offering $1,000 stipends and travel assistance to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily choose to leave the country. The Department of Homeland Security announced the new policy Monday, encouraging self-deportation as part of the administration’s broader effort to crack down on illegal immigration.
President Trump has consistently advocated for self-deportation, presenting it as an alternative to forced removal by federal agents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that this voluntary departure method is the safest option for individuals living in the U.S. without legal status.
Undocumented immigrants are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Home App to plan their departure and avoid being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. DHS noted that the first person to participate in the program recently flew from Chicago to Honduras using the government assistance, and additional departures have been scheduled throughout the month. Officials estimate that the cost of deportation will decrease by approximately 70% through this approach.
Despite the incentives, immigration lawyers have cautioned against using the app’s “self-deport” feature, warning that it may collect sensitive user data without offering any path to legal residency or future citizenship. Critics worry that voluntary participation could be used against individuals later.
The announcement did clarify that those who choose to self-deport and can show they are actively preparing for departure may be deprioritized for detention and forced removal. DHS also mentioned that choosing to leave voluntarily could help individuals re-enter the country legally at a later time.
This initiative builds on actions taken in March when the administration launched the CBP Home app, which includes a self-deportation option. The new app replaced CBP One, a tool introduced during the Biden administration initially for commercial border logistics before being expanded to process asylum claims.
To achieve its mass deportation goals, the Trump administration has mobilized a wide array of federal agencies beyond just immigration enforcement. Departments including the IRS, Justice Department, Social Security Administration, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and even the U.S. Postal Service have all been engaged in efforts to identify and remove undocumented individuals.
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