DHS Offers $1,000 Stipend, Travel Support for Self-Deportation

The Department of Homeland Security has launched a new program offering $1,000 stipends and paid commercial flights for undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States using the CBP Home app. The initiative, announced by Secretary Kristi Noem, aims to reduce deportation costs by about 70%, with voluntary departures costing approximately $4,500 compared to the $17,000 average for traditional deportations. Immigrants who register and self-deport through the app will receive their stipend after their return is confirmed, and those participating are deprioritized for detention or removal while arranging their departure. DHS officials emphasize that this program is the safest and most cost-effective option for law enforcement, migrants, and taxpayers, and may help preserve the migrants' eligibility for future legal entry. The first successful use of the program involved a migrant returning to Honduras, and more departures are scheduled in the coming weeks. The program repurposes an app initially launched by the Biden administration for legal entry, now focusing on facilitating voluntary returns.