In a new twist on immigration enforcement, the Trump administration is offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 and paid travel expenses if they voluntarily return to their home countries. Announced on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, the program is being framed as a “self-deportation” incentive aimed at reducing the burden of mass deportations on federal resources.
The program encourages migrants to use an app called CBP Home, where users can notify authorities of their intent to leave the U.S. voluntarily. Those who do so will reportedly be “deprioritized” for detention or removal by immigration agents. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called it a “safe and cost-effective” option, adding that it helps migrants avoid the risk of arrest.
President Trump has consistently made immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his policy agenda, but large-scale deportations come with significant costs and logistical challenges. While pushing for more funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the administration is also leaning into strategies that encourage voluntary departure.
Critics have long debated the ethics and effectiveness of “self-deportation,” a concept that gained national attention during Trump’s first term. The latest plan adds financial incentive to the equation—potentially making it more appealing to some migrants facing legal uncertainty or economic hardship in the U.S.
The $1,000 offer is now live, and DHS says it’s part of a broader plan to streamline immigration enforcement without relying solely on high-cost removal operations. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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