Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has announced a new initiative offering financial incentives to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States, as part of a broader effort to reduce the costs associated with traditional deportation procedures.
Under the program, migrants who choose to self-deport will receive free travel arrangements and a $1,000 stipend upon confirmed return to their home country. The process is being facilitated through the CBP One mobile application.
“Self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States and avoid arrest,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement released Monday.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that the new approach is not only more humane but also significantly more economical. According to DHS estimates, the average cost of arresting, detaining, and deporting an undocumented migrant currently stands at $17,121. The agency projects that the self-deportation program will slash that cost by approximately 70%.
The incentive is paid after the migrant’s return is verified through the app, DHS confirmed. One Honduran national has already used the program to voluntarily return home, officials added.
“Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said.
President Donald Trump, who has consistently promised to crack down on illegal immigration, campaigned on a pledge to deport millions of undocumented migrants. This new initiative marks a strategic shift toward reducing deportation expenses while encouraging voluntary compliance.
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