Trump's Self-Deportation Program Reshapes Labor Market

Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, his administration has overseen a large-scale self-deportation program managed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and 'border czar' Tom Homan, offering incentives such as a $1,000 stipend, travel assistance, and penalty avoidance for voluntary departure. The program is supported by a national awareness campaign and digital tools like the 'CBP Home' app. Nearly 1 million undocumented migrants have reportedly self-deported since March, according to the Center for Immigration Studies and labor data reported by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. This exodus has contributed to a 0.4% rise in average hourly wages in May, as businesses compete for fewer workers. Critics warn of a shrinking labor supply, while supporters argue the initiative is more humane and cost-effective than mass deportations. The administration’s dual-track strategy of stricter enforcement and incentivized self-removal is significantly reshaping U.S. immigration and labor market dynamics.