The U.S. government issued its latest warning to immigrants in an irregular situation this Tuesday, warned that they must voluntarily leave the territory or face severe penalties.
"Self-deport now or face the consequences," warned the social media platform X the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), referring to the CBP Home app, which allows migrants in irregular situations to notify their intention for voluntary departure.
Trump will launch a self-deportation plan: "We will give them a plane ticket and a stipend."
President Donald Trump declared this Tuesday his intention to offer a financial stipend and a plane ticket to immigrants who are in the country illegally and choose to self-deport.
He also noted that his administration would work to facilitate the return of those he considers "good," thus marking a significant shift from his usual hardline rhetoric on immigration issues.
In an interview aired on Tuesday by Fox News, Trump stated, “We are going to give them a stipend. We are going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we will work with them; if they are good, if we want them to come back, we will work with them to get them back as quickly as possible.”
Although the president did not provide specific details about the implementation of the program, he emphasized that its main focus is to deport violent criminals, such as "murderers." For other immigrants without criminal records, the administration seeks to facilitate their voluntary departure and, potentially, their legal return
Ultimatum from the federal government
Previously, the head of the Border Patrol, Michael W. Banks, also reinforced the message with a stern tone: “Last chance to self-deport on your own terms. CBP Home is now available. If you do not take action, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will remove you and bar you from returning,” he wrote on X.
These statements are part of the new federal campaign to strictly enforce immigration laws, supported by Executive Order 14159, signed by Trump.
"Leave now," warns the DHS
Since February, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has reiterated that the Trump administration will use all available legal tools to force the departure of migrants without legal status in the country.
"President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message: Leave now. If you go, you will have a future opportunity to return legally and live the American dream," stated DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin in a statement.
The DHS announced that it will begin to strictly enforce provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, many of which have been ignored for decades. Penalties for non-compliance could include fines of up to $998 per day of illegal stay, prison sentences, and bans on re-entry to the U.S.
CBP Home: official tool for leaving without reprisals
The CBP Home app, launched on March 10, was designed to facilitate the orderly departure of migrants without facing judicial processes or more severe immigration consequences.
Through the "Intent to Depart" function, users can register their decision to voluntarily leave the country. To date, more than 5,000 people have registered using the platform.
CBP Home also offers other features, such as: requesting the I-94 form for temporary entries, checking wait times at border crossings, and scheduling inspections for perishable goods
A strategy to save resources and tighten controls
According to the DHS, promoting mass self-deportation would help alleviate pressure on immigration agencies, especially on ICE and CBP, freeing up resources and avoiding prolonged detentions or costly legal proceedings.
The Trump administration has made it clear that there will be no tolerance for those who remain in the U.S. without documentation, and that the only way to avoid legal consequences is to leave voluntarily as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Deportation of Immigrants in the U.S.
What is the CBP Home application and how does it assist undocumented immigrants?
The CBP Home application is a digital tool developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office that allows immigrants in irregular situations to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country. It offers an organized process to avoid facing more severe penalties and enables users to access other services related to immigration laws.
What incentives does the Trump administration offer for self-deportation?
The Trump administration offers a financial stipend and a plane ticket to undocumented immigrants who choose to self-deport. This measure aims to facilitate voluntary departure and, potentially, allow for legal reentry in the future for those deemed "good" by the administration.
What are the consequences of not self-deporting according to the Trump administration?
Undocumented immigrants who do not self-deport will face severe penalties, including the risk of being apprehended and deported. Additionally, they may face daily fines of up to $998, prison sentences, and bans on re-entering the United States. The CBP Home app is presented as an option to avoid these consequences.
What impact has the CBP Home application had since its launch?
Since its launch, more than 5,000 people have registered in the CBP Home application for voluntary self-deportation. The administration plans to expand the promotion of the application in several languages to increase the number of users who choose this option. The tool aims to reduce the pressure on immigration agencies and avoid costly deportation procedures.
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