Trump adminstration offers $1,000 to immigrants willing to return to their countries and “self-deport”
The Trump administration offers $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who self-deport, claiming it’s a “historic opportunity,” despite the risks for those who enroll.
In an effort to carry out the most extensive deportation effort in US history, President Trump has initiated several measures targeting the migrant community. In this context, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a significant opportunity for undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
The DHS has announced that the government will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 to all individuals residing in the United States illegally, encouraging them to return voluntarily to their home countries via the CBP Home app. Additionally, the government will assist with travel costs and has guaranteed that those opting for this return method will not be prioritized for detention or deportation by immigration agents.
“Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home app to self-deport will also receive a $1,000 stipend, which will be paid once their return to their home country is confirmed through the app,” reads a statement issued by DHS.
Kristi Noem says self-deportation “is the best way to leave the U.S.”
For her part, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, assured that this “opportunity” is “the best way to leave” the country and avoid being arrested.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” posted the DHS Secretary on X.
“DHS is not offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.”
If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 5, 2025
DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.
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Though the process is meant to be simple, it is of great use to the Trump administration as it will provide information on undocumented immigrants in the country, making them much easier to deport, should they not follow through with their plan to return to their country of origin. The administration treatment of undocumented migrants, as well as those who had been granted temporary protected status under President Biden, may lead many not to register over fears that if they do not leave quickly enough, they could be identified, located, arrested, and deported to a third country or their country of origin, with little planning.
More than 150,000 immigrants have been arrested during the first 100 days of the Trump administration
During his first 100 days in the White House, the Trump administration arrested more than 150,000 immigrants, according to official DHS figures, with mass deportations being a central element of his second term.
This initiative, however, necessitates substantial funding. As a result, the president is urging Congress to augment resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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The GOP‘s proposal, making its rounds on Capitol Hill, includes a budget increase for DHS of slightly over $2 billion, compared to 2024. Funds have been allocated to construct the “border wall system” and increase the technological capabilities at ports of entry to the country.
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