The Trump administration announced a new initiative Monday offering unauthorized immigrants free airfare and a $1,000 stipend if they voluntarily return to their home countries. The Department of Homeland Security stated the offer is part of a broader strategy to ease the burden on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encourage “dignified” self-removal.
Migrants must register for the program using the CBP Home app—originally launched under the Biden administration to allow lawful entry. Those who show progress toward leaving will be deprioritized for ICE arrest. One Honduran migrant has already departed from Chicago under the program.
The government says arresting and deporting a migrant costs an average of $17,121, making the self-deportation incentives a cost-saving alternative. Still, those who overstay for more than a year could face a 10-year reentry ban, and legal immigration remains difficult for many participants.
DHS said “thousands” have already self-deported and may be eligible to return legally in the future, although most low-income migrants will not meet visa requirements.
Source(s):
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CBS News – MBFC Rating
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