WASHINGTON: In a new move tied to its immigration agenda, the Trump administration has announced that it will pay $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries. The plan also includes financial support for travel and aims to reduce the number of forced deportations.
The program was detailed in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release on Monday and comes as part of a broader push for mass deportation, which has been a central theme in President Donald Trump’s campaign.
New App to Simplify Voluntary Return
To support the initiative, the government is promoting a new app called CBP Home, through which individuals in the U.S. illegally can inform immigration authorities of their plans to return home.
Those who register through the app will be “deprioritized” for detention or forced removal, according to DHS. That means if someone voluntarily agrees to leave the U.S., they are less likely to be arrested or detained by immigration officers.
DHS Secretary: “Self-Deportation Is Best Option”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement:
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
She added that the DHS will now offer both financial support and travel assistance to encourage undocumented immigrants to exit voluntarily rather than face deportation.
A Cost-Saving Measure?
Deporting people who are in the country illegally can be very expensive and time-consuming, often involving legal proceedings, detention, and transportation.
With this new policy, the administration hopes that offering money and support for voluntary return will save money and reduce pressure on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At the same time, the Trump administration is asking Congress for increased funding for ICE operations. But with limited resources, it’s now encouraging “self-deportation” as a practical alternative to mass removals.