The Trump administration announced Monday a new program offering free travel and a $1,000 stipend to undocumented migrants who voluntarily return to their home countries.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States and avoid arrest,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Under the new initiative, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide financial support through the CBP Home App. The $1,000 stipend will be issued once an individual’s return to their home country is confirmed via the app.
DHS described the self-deportation program as a “dignified” exit option, allowing migrants to avoid enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to DHS, even after accounting for the stipend and travel assistance, the program is expected to reduce deportation costs by about 70 percent. Currently, it costs an average of $17,121 to arrest, detain, and deport an undocumented migrant.
The department said that one undocumented migrant from Honduras has already used the program to return home.
President Donald Trump, who has long promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, continues to push hardline immigration policies as part of his “America First” agenda.
