First group departs US under CBP Home program

First group departs US under CBP Home program
Geopolitics
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Brendan O'Brien, Deputy Chief of Mission | U.S. Embassy in Colombia

On May 19, 2024, the first group of Colombian nationals who voluntarily left the United States under the CBP Home program arrived in Colombia. This return was facilitated through a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Migración Colombia. A total of 26 Colombian citizens were welcomed by the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) and the Department of Social Prosperity at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.

The CBP Home app enables illegal immigrants to plan their departure from the United States with dignity. It allows them to return home as regular travelers, freely and independently. Participants receive a free return flight and a departure stipend of USD 1,000 upon verification of their arrival back in their country. The CBP Home initiative is part of the Department of Homeland Security's 'Homecoming Project,' introduced by President Trump.

“Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted its first charter flight of the Homecoming Project with 64 individuals who voluntarily chose to self-deport to their home countries, Honduras and Colombia,” stated Secretary Kristi Noem. “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home app to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you do not, you will be subject to fines, detention, deportation, and will never be allowed to return. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return legally and correctly.”

CBP Home offers illegal immigrants financial assistance and documentation support for their journey back to their home country or another country where they have legal status. Participants in this program are temporarily exempt from priority detention or expulsion proceedings that could occur before their scheduled departure.

Bogotá D.C., May 19, 2025