DHS Unveils $1,000 Incentive for Immigrants to Self-Deport

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a program offering $1,000 in “travel assistance” to undocumented individuals who decide to self-deport. This initiative aims to support the Trump administration’s objective of removing one million migrants without permanent legal status from the country.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the program as a cost-effective solution. “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” she stated, noting it could result in significant savings for taxpayers.

The funding source for this travel assistance remains unclear, as the endeavor could potentially cost around $1 billion to reimburse up to one million individuals. Efforts to clarify budgetary details from DHS have not yielded responses.

President Trump expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the provision of “a beautiful flight back to where they came from.” This self-deportation process will utilize the CBP Home app, previously employed by the Biden administration for asylum seekers to secure appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Importantly, this payment will not be disbursed until after individuals arrive in their home countries. DHS confirmed that one migrant has already used the program to arrange a flight from Chicago to Honduras, with additional tickets booked for the upcoming weeks.

The Trump administration has launched various programs aimed at facilitating mass self-deportation, including a registry requiring undocumented immigrants to register with federal authorities. Noncompliance could lead to severe fines and possible imprisonment.