US Offers $1,000 for Voluntary Self-Deportation

The Trump administration has launched a program offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 and paid travel costs to voluntarily leave the U.S. using the CBP Home App. Participants are deprioritized for detention and removal, and may retain eligibility for future legal re-entry. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem describes the initiative as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional deportation, potentially saving about 70% compared to the $17,000 average cost of forced removal. The program is part of a broader strategy to increase removals and lower government expenses, with thousands reportedly expressing interest. This move represents a significant shift in immigration policy, favoring incentives for voluntary compliance over strict enforcement. However, experts caution that the long-term effectiveness and humanitarian impact of the approach are uncertain.