A charter flight has brought the first group of Colombian nationals back to Colombia under the CBP Home program, following their voluntary departure from the United States. This initiative is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Migración Colombia. A total of 26 Colombian citizens were welcomed by the Instituto de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) and the Departamento de Prosperidad Social at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.
The CBP Home application allows undocumented individuals to plan their return from the United States with dignity, enabling them to travel home as regular travelers independently. Participants receive a free return airfare and a $1,000 departure bonus upon verification of their arrival in their home country. CBP Home is one of DHS's initial actions to implement 'Project Return Home,' as announced by President Trump.
“Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted its first charter flight for Project Return Home with 64 individuals who voluntarily chose self-deportation to their countries of origin, Honduras and Colombia,” stated Secretary Kristi Noem. “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home app to take control of your exit and receive financial support for returning home. Failure to do so will result in fines, detention, deportation, and permanent barring from reentry. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your chance to potentially return legally.”
CBP Home provides an unprecedented opportunity for undocumented foreigners to receive financial aid and documentation assistance for returning either to their home country or another where they have legal status. Once individuals notify their intent to leave under this program, any priority for detention or removal processes that might occur before their scheduled departure is temporarily lifted.