The president Donald Trump has just announced that he will provide $1,000 to each undocumented immigrant who wishes to voluntarily return to their country of origin.
The proposal, described as "historic" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), offers this financial incentive to anyone who registers and completes the exit process through the CBP Home government application.
The stipend, according to the DHS, will be provided once the individual's departure from the country is confirmed.
"Even with the stipend cost, using CBP Home is expected to reduce the costs of deportation by around 70%," states the press release from DHS, which details that the average cost of detaining and expelling a foreign national is $17,121.
During an event with NFL players at the White House, Trump explained that if those who choose to self-deport "are good," his administration will work to "give them a path to return" to the country, but he emphasized that they must do so within the designated timeframe.
"What we plan to do is a self-deportation in which we will pay each person a certain amount of money, and we will arrange a beautiful flight back to where they came from. And they have a time period," he said.
"If we believe they are good, that they are the people we want in our country, they will come back. We will offer them a slightly easier path," he stated.
It was also made clear that there will be consequences for those who do not take this voluntary route: "they will be expelled from our country" with no possibility of return and will face harsher measures.
The government argues that this alternative offers a "dignified exit" for those living in the country without legal authorization, giving them time to get their affairs in order, say goodbye to family members, and avoid detention by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents.
According to Kristi Noem, Secretary of DHS, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.
"The DHS now offers illegal immigrants financial assistance for travel and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home application," he stated.
Once enrolled in the program, migrants will also be removed from the priority list for detention and deportation, as long as they can demonstrate that they are actively working on their departure.
Additionally, self-deportation through the CBP Home app can help preserve "the option to re-enter the United States legally in the future."
Example in progress and expectations
According to DHS, one person has already used the program to voluntarily return to Honduras from Chicago, and several more tickets have been booked for the coming days.
Authorities expect the program to expand rapidly as more immigrants learn about its benefits and alternatives.
In April 2025, Trump had revealed his intention to offer economic incentives to facilitate the voluntary return of migrants in an irregular situation.
In an interview on Fox News, the president explained: "We are going to give them some money and a plane ticket. And if they behave well, if we want them to return, we will work to ensure they can come back as quickly as possible, but through legal means."
This new measure comes after the first 100 days of Trump's second term, during which the administration intensified its immigration crackdown.
According to ICE figures, more than 65,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported, of which 75% had criminal records, including sexual offenses and homicides.
However, the deportation numbers do not differ drastically from the levels recorded under Joe Biden's administration, which has resulted in pressure from conservative sectors demanding an even stricter stance.
In light of this scenario, the White House promotes this self-deportation program as an attempt to optimize resources, improve public perception, and project effectiveness without solely resorting to raids or mass detentions.
ICE reinforces the narrative of "orderly departure."
In parallel to the presidential announcement, ICE has launched an informational campaign on its social media channels highlighting the advantages of voluntarily leaving the country. In a post on its official X account, the agency wrote:
"If you are in the United States illegally, self-deport now so you can: leave on your own terms, choose your destination, say goodbye to your friends and family, and possibly return later, legally, as an immigrant or visitor," the message reads.
The tweet adds that those who leave will be able to avoid detention, a period in a migration center, and expulsion, and will be able to "plan and organize their affairs."
Criticism and skepticism
While some conservative sectors applaud the pragmatic approach for its apparent effectiveness and resource savings, human rights organizations and migrant advocates question the program, noting that it still relies on a principle of mass expulsion.
Activists argue that the concept of "good people" defined by Trump lacks legal clarity and could lead to arbitrary decisions.
Others point out that many immigrants are not in a position to return to countries where they face poverty, violence, or persecution, and that an economic incentive does not address the root causes of migration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Self-Deportation Plan
What does Trump's self-deportation plan consist of?
Trump's self-deportation plan offers $1,000 to each undocumented immigrant who decides to voluntarily return to their country of origin. This incentive is granted once the migrant completes the exit process through the CBP Home application, designed to facilitate an orderly departure without facing detention. Additionally, the program provides an airline ticket and the possibility of legally returning to the U.S. in the future for those deemed "good" by the administration.
What are the consequences of not opting for the self-deportation plan?
Immigrants who do not take advantage of the self-deportation plan will face harsher penalties, such as detention, forced deportation, and a ban on returning to the United States. The Trump administration has warned that it will impose daily fines of up to $998 for those who do not leave the country voluntarily, and it is considering the possibility of confiscating properties if the fines are not paid.
What benefits does the CBP Home app offer for undocumented immigrants?
The CBP Home application allows immigrants in an irregular situation to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the United States. In addition to facilitating an orderly exit, the application provides the opportunity to avoid prolonged detentions and legal proceedings, resulting in a more dignified and planned departure. It also enables users to access other services, such as the early application for the I-94 form and checking wait times at border crossings.
What criticisms has Trump's self-deportation plan received?
The self-deportation plan has been criticized by human rights organizations and migrant advocates for relying on principles of mass expulsion. It is argued that the concept of "good people" used by Trump lacks legal clarity and could pave the way for arbitrary decisions. Furthermore, many immigrants face difficult conditions in their home countries, such as poverty and violence, which an economic incentive cannot resolve.
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