The Trump administration has unveiled a new initiative providing $1,000 in financial assistance and travel support to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In a statement, DHS described voluntary departure—or self-deportation—as “the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.” The program is being facilitated through the CBP One mobile application.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “DHS is now offering financial travel assistance and a stipend to support voluntary return through the CBP Home App.”
Immigration enforcement has remained a central focus of Donald Trump’s presidency and re-election campaign. However, DHS officials note that forced deportations come at a steep cost—estimated at roughly $17,000 per person for arrest, detention, and removal. By comparison, the voluntary return program is significantly cheaper.
According to DHS, the new initiative has already been used. “An individual who entered the country under the Biden administration recently took advantage of the program to return to Honduras on a flight from Chicago,” the department said. “Additional flights are scheduled in the coming weeks.”
Since Trump returned to office on January 20, approximately 152,000 people have been deported—fewer than the 195,000 deportations recorded between February and April of the previous year under the Biden administration.
