In a bid to reduce the financial burden of deportations, the Trump administration has unveiled a new initiative aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States.
The program offers a $1,000 stipend along with travel assistance to those who decide to “self-deport” through a US government app.
The announcement, made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is part of President Trump’s broader efforts to combat illegal immigration during his second term.
The administration claims that by incentivizing migrants to leave voluntarily, it can save millions of dollars, reduce detention costs, and ease the process of deportation.
A Cost-Effective Solution for Deportation
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the cost of deporting a migrant—factoring in arrest, detention, and removal—can exceed $17,000. However, through the new “self-deportation” program, the government aims to save up to 70% of this cost.
Under the scheme, migrants can apply to leave voluntarily using the CBP Home app, which was initially introduced during the Biden administration to facilitate legal entry into the United States. Once the migrant’s return to their home country is confirmed, they will receive the $1,000 payment and flight assistance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that this method of voluntary departure is not only cost-effective, but also “the safest” and most “dignified way” for individuals to leave the country.
Already, one migrant from Honduras has used the program to return home, departing from Chicago with a flight ticket provided by the US government.
While the administration promotes this as a compassionate option, critics argue that the offer could be seen as a form of coercion. Some believe it might pressure vulnerable migrants into accepting the program out of fear of arrest or deportation, with limited details on what the potential legal pathways for return might be.
Mixed Reactions From Politicians and Advocacy Groups
The announcement has been met with a mix of reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Republican supporters of the program argue that it is a pragmatic solution to manage the challenges of illegal immigration.
They point to the low cost of self-deportation compared to traditional deportation methods, which are often prolonged and costly.
However, critics—including immigrant advocacy groups and some Democratic lawmakers—have voiced concerns. Natalia Aristizabal, the deputy director of Make the Road New York, described the program as “cruel” and “misleading,” urging migrants to consult with an attorney before participating.
Adriano Espaillat, a Dominican-American congressman, also criticized the policy, arguing that the US should focus on creating a country where everyone belongs, rather than offering financial incentives to leave.
Furthermore, advocacy groups like Make the Road New York have urged migrants to seek legal advice before taking up the offer, highlighting potential risks, such as the lack of clarity on how migrants may re-enter the US legally in the future.
