In a significant move aimed at tightening immigration enforcement, the Trump administration has unveiled a new initiative offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 and travel assistance to voluntarily depart the United States. The program, managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), utilizes the CBP Home app—formerly known as CBP One—to facilitate the self-deportation process.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that self-deportation is considered the ‘best, safest, and most cost-effective’ method for individuals to leave the country voluntarily without facing arrest. The DHS reports that the average cost of arresting, detaining, and deporting an individual is approximately $17,000, making voluntary departures a more economical option.
The first participant in the program reportedly used the CBP Home app to arrange a flight from Chicago to Honduras. Additional departures are scheduled in the coming weeks. Since January 20, the administration has deported approximately 152,000 individuals, a figure slightly lower than the 195,000 deportations during the same period under the previous administration.
Critics argue that the program may mislead migrants into believing that voluntary departure could facilitate future legal reentry, despite existing bans on reentry for those who have resided illegally in the U.S. for over a year. Immigration experts caution that self-deportation could have long-term consequences and advise individuals to seek legal counsel before participating.
The initiative is part of President Trump’s broader campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The administration is also reportedly in negotiations with countries like Rwanda to accept deported migrants, despite concerns over human rights records.
In response to the U.S. crackdown, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that it is prepared to facilitate the return of Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S., provided their nationality is verified. The ministry reiterated its opposition to illegal immigration, citing its links to organized crime.
The new self-deportation program has sparked debate over its ethical implications and effectiveness, with advocates calling for comprehensive immigration reform to address the complexities of undocumented migration.
