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President Donald Trump’s administration has unveiled a new immigration initiative offering undocumented immigrants a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance if they voluntarily leave the U.S.
Officials described the plan as a humane and fiscally responsible alternative to forced deportations, aiming to reduce the rising costs and burdens on immigration courts and detention centers.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the “Incentivized Departure Program” on May 5, targeting individuals with outstanding deportation orders. Participants who meet eligibility requirements must apply online, attend a scheduled interview, and agree to depart within a government-set timeline. DHS stressed the initiative emphasizes voluntary compliance to minimize the emotional distress associated with arrest and detention.
Participants approved for the program will receive $1,000 once their travel and airfare to their home countries are confirmed through the CBP Home App. DHS officials pointed out detention and forced deportation can cost taxpayers around $17,121 for every person detained.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” Secretary Kristi Noem said. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”
Officials clarified no deportation orders would be stayed based on application, and immigrants who still wish to contest their removal can continue legal proceedings in immigration courts without penalty.
Individuals eligible for the $1,000 payment must have final removal orders or be threatened with deportation. Furthermore, those who self-deport under the program might avoid the standard 10-year reentry ban, depending on individual circumstances, reported by NBC News.
DHS confirmed it will provide quarterly reports to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the program’s implementation. Immigration experts cautioned participants to consider the legal consequences before opting into the program.
Individuals who self-deport might still face future barriers to reentry depending on prior immigration violations, and the $1,000 stipend should not replace personalized legal advice, according to immigration attorneys. They encouraged undocumented immigrants to consult qualified legal representatives before making decisions.
