U.S. offers $1,000 and free travel for undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave
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In a move aimed at reducing deportation costs, the Trump administration has introduced a new program offering undocumented migrants $1,000 and fully paid travel if they voluntarily return to their home countries.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the initiative on Monday, calling self-deportation “the best, safest, and most cost-effective” route for those residing illegally in the United States to avoid being arrested by immigration authorities.
The program, facilitated through the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Home App, is designed to streamline the voluntary departure process.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the financial assistance and travel expenses will only be issued after confirmation that the individual has returned to their country of origin.
"Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and avoid encounters with ICE," the DHS said in its official statement, noting that the cost-saving potential is substantial. With the current average expense for arresting, detaining, and deporting an undocumented migrant at $17,121, the department estimates this new approach could slash those costs by approximately 70%.
The DHS confirmed that at least one migrant from Honduras has already used the new program to return home.
This initiative comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which includes plans to remove millions of undocumented immigrants from the country.
