The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new initiative aimed at facilitating the voluntary self-deportation of illegal aliens through financial and travel assistance. The program, accessible via the CBP Home App, offers participants a stipend of $1,000 once their return to their home country is confirmed.
This approach is designed to provide a dignified method for individuals to leave the United States without encountering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DHS projects that using the CBP Home App could reduce deportation costs by approximately 70 percent, as the current average cost for arresting, detaining, and removing an illegal alien stands at $17,121.
The program has already seen initial success with a participant who used it to secure a flight from Chicago to Honduras. Additional flights are scheduled in the coming weeks.
Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the benefits of this option: “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.” She further highlighted that this initiative represents significant savings for U.S. taxpayers while ensuring safety for law enforcement and participants alike.
Participants who express their intent to self-deport through the app will be deprioritized for detention and removal if they demonstrate progress toward departure. This process may also help maintain eligibility for legal re-entry into the United States in the future.
To qualify, individuals must submit an "Intent to Depart" via the CBP Home app. More information can be found on DHS.gov/CBPhome.