Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a controversial new immigration policy aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States. Under the new initiative, the government will offer free travel and a $1,000 stipend to any migrant who chooses to “self-deport” through a new system developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the plan is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of illegal migrants in the country. He added that some of those who leave under the program may later be allowed to return legally if they meet certain conditions. “We’re going to work with them,” Trump said. “If they’re good people, if they’re the kind of people we want in our country, we’ll find a path for them to come back.”
The self-deportation program will be facilitated through the CBP Home app, a digital platform managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The DHS confirmed that migrants will receive the $1,000 stipend only after their return has been verified via the app.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the policy as the “best, safest, and most cost-effective” way to reduce illegal immigration. She emphasized that self-deportation through the app allows migrants to avoid arrests and potential detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to DHS, the cost of forcibly deporting a single undocumented migrant—including arrest, detention, and removal—currently averages around $17,121. By contrast, the new self-deportation plan could cut those expenses by up to 70%.
The program has already been used by at least one migrant from Honduras, according to DHS, which cited the case as an early success of the initiative.
Critics may see the policy as a form of coerced return, while others may argue it provides a humane alternative for undocumented individuals who no longer wish to stay in the U.S. Trump, who has made immigration control a central part of his political agenda, claimed there are as many as 21 million undocumented migrants currently in the country.
What is the CBP Home app and how does it work?
The CBP Home app is a digital tool created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that allows undocumented migrants to arrange their self-deportation voluntarily, track their return, and receive the $1,000 stipend after verification.