Deep Roots Explain Why Undocumented Immigrants Resist Self-Deportation

Key Takeaways

• Project 2025 ends DACA and TPS, increasing deportations and ending key immigrant protections by September 2025.
• About 1 million fewer undocumented immigrants in US since January 2025 despite low self-deportation rates.
• Self-deportation program offers up to $1,000 via app but most immigrants refuse due to family and economic ties.

As of July 2025, the landscape for undocumented immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 has shifted dramatically due to new policies, enforcement strategies, and changes in government programs. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these developments mean for pending and future applications. The focus is on why undocumented immigrants are unlikely to self-deport, even as the government increases pressure and offers incentives for voluntary departure.

Summary of What Changed

In early 2025, the Trump administration launched “Project 2025,” a set of tough immigration policies aimed at reducing the undocumented population in the United States 🇺🇸. These changes include:

• Ending protections for many immigrants, such as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and certain victim visas.
• Expanding enforcement by removing “sensitive zone” protections, allowing immigration officers to make arrests at places like schools and hospitals.
• Introducing a self-deportation program with financial incentives and a mobile app for voluntary departures.
• Increasing cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
• Accelerating deportations through expanded expedited removal processes.

These changes have led to a sharp drop in the number of undocumented immigrants—about 1 million fewer in the first five months of 2025. However, most undocumented immigrants are not choosing to self-deport, despite the new incentives and increased risks.

Who Is Affected

The new policies impact several groups:

• Undocumented immigrants: Anyone living in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status faces higher risks of arrest, detention, and deportation.
• DACA recipients: Young people who previously had protection from deportation under DACA are now at risk, as the program is being ended.
• TPS holders: People from countries like Honduras and Nicaragua who had Temporary Protected Status will lose their protection by September 2025.
• Workers and employers: Industries that rely on undocumented labor, such as agriculture, construction, and services, are seeing labor shortages and wage changes.
• Families and communities: Many mixed-status families (where some members are citizens or legal residents and others are undocumented) face separation and uncertainty.

Effective Dates

• January–May 2025: Major enforcement actions and policy changes began, leading to a significant decline in the undocumented population.
• September 2025: TPS for Hondurans and Nicaraguans will end, affecting over 70,000 people.
• Ongoing: Other changes, such as the end of DACA and expanded expedited removal, are being rolled out throughout 2025.

Required Actions

For undocumented immigrants and those affected by these changes, the following steps are important:

• Stay informed: Regularly check official government sources, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for updates on enforcement actions and policy changes.
• Consider legal options: If you have DACA, TPS, or another form of temporary protection, consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore possible paths to legal status.
• If considering self-deportation: The government’s self-deportation program allows you to register your intent to leave using the “CBP Home” app. If eligible, you may receive up to $1,000 to help with travel costs. However, leaving the United States 🇺🇸 voluntarily means giving up your life here and facing uncertain conditions in your home country.
• Prepare for enforcement: If you choose to remain, be aware of increased risks of arrest, especially in places that were previously considered safe zones. Know your rights and have a plan in case of detention.
• For employers: Review your workforce and ensure compliance with employment verification laws. Be prepared for possible labor shortages and changes in wage structures.

Implications for Pending Applications

• DACA, TPS, and Victim Visas: Applications for these programs are likely to be denied or delayed as the government phases out protections. If you have a pending application, consult with an attorney about alternative options.
• Family-based and Diversity Visas: The administration is restricting family-based immigration and ending the Diversity Visa Lottery. Pending applications may face longer waits or be denied.
• Expedited Removal: If you are in removal proceedings, you may have less time to present your case, as expedited removal allows for quick deportation without a court hearing.

Why Undocumented Immigrants Are Unlikely to Self-Deport

Despite the government’s push for voluntary departures, most undocumented immigrants are not choosing to self-deport. Several key reasons explain this:

1. Deep Community Roots

• Many undocumented immigrants have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years or even decades.
• They have families, jobs, and strong ties to their communities.
• Leaving would mean separating from children, spouses, and other loved ones, many of whom may be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
• The cost—emotional, financial, and social—of leaving is simply too high for most people.

2. Fear and Uncertainty

• Increased enforcement has created a climate of fear, but it has not led to mass self-deportation.
• Many immigrants worry that registering for voluntary departure could expose them to arrest or future penalties.
• There is little trust in government promises, especially after years of changing policies and broken assurances.

3. Economic Considerations

• Undocumented immigrants often support not only themselves but also family members in the United States 🇺🇸 and abroad.
• Leaving means losing a steady income and facing uncertain job prospects in their home countries.
• The $1,000 incentive offered for self-deportation is not enough to offset the risks and losses involved.

4. Limited Effectiveness of Self-Deportation Campaigns

• The Trump administration’s 2025 campaign included a $200 million ad push, financial incentives, and a mobile app for voluntary departures.
• While some people have left, the overall impact is small compared to the size of the undocumented population.
• Many immigrants see the program as risky or untrustworthy, and the complexity of their lives makes leaving a last resort.

Details of the 2025 Self-Deportation Program

The self-deportation program is designed to encourage undocumented immigrants to leave the United States 🇺🇸 voluntarily, with the promise of avoiding arrest and receiving financial help. Here’s how it works:

• Registration: Immigrants can use the “CBP Home” app to notify the government of their intent to depart.
• Verification: The government checks eligibility and processes the departure plan.
• Incentives: Eligible individuals receive up to $1,000 to help with travel costs.
• Departure: Individuals must leave the country voluntarily, following the plan.
• Consequences for Non-Compliance: Those who stay without legal status face increased risks of fines, arrest, detention, and forced removal.

Implications for Different Groups

For Immigrants

• Increased fear and anxiety: The end of protections and rise in enforcement have made daily life more stressful.
• Limited access to services: With the removal of sensitive zone protections, many avoid schools, hospitals, and other essential services out of fear.
• Legal uncertainty: Ongoing court battles over some policies mean that the rules could change again, adding to the confusion.

For Employers

• Labor shortages: The loss of nearly 1 million foreign-born workers has caused shortages in key industries.
• Wage increases: Some sectors have seen wages rise as employers compete for a smaller pool of workers.
• Compliance pressure: Employers must be careful to follow employment verification laws to avoid penalties.

For Families and Communities

• Separation risks: Mixed-status families face the threat of separation if one or more members are deported.
• Community disruption: Schools, churches, and local organizations are seeing the effects of increased fear and reduced participation.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Government Officials

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem describes self-deportation as the “best, safest, and most cost-effective” way to reduce the undocumented population.
• The administration argues that combining strict enforcement with voluntary departure incentives will encourage more people to leave on their own.

Immigrant Rights Advocates

• Advocacy groups warn that Project 2025’s policies are harming immigrant communities, increasing racial profiling, and denying due process.
• They highlight the human cost of mass deportations, including family separation and community breakdown.

Economists

• Some experts point out that while enforcement may reduce the number of undocumented immigrants, it also disrupts local economies.
• Industries that rely on undocumented labor, such as agriculture and construction, are especially hard hit.

Legal and Political Challenges

• Several of the administration’s policies face court challenges, especially those ending DACA, TPS, and birthright citizenship.
• Democratic-led states and immigrant advocacy groups are fighting these changes in court, creating uncertainty about which rules will remain in place.
• Future administrations could reverse or change these policies, depending on political developments.

Humanitarian Concerns

• The end of TPS and other relief programs will leave many long-term residents without legal status, increasing their vulnerability.
• Humanitarian groups warn of increased hardship for those forced to leave or live in the shadows.

Next Steps and Practical Guidance

If you are an undocumented immigrant or someone affected by these changes, here are some practical steps to consider:

• Stay informed: Regularly check official sources like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for updates.
• Consult with an attorney: If you have DACA, TPS, or another form of temporary protection, seek legal advice about your options.
• Know your rights: Learn what to do if approached by immigration officers. Many organizations offer “know your rights” resources.
• Prepare a family plan: If you are at risk of detention or deportation, have a plan for your family, including emergency contacts and legal documents.
• Consider the risks of self-deportation: Weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before registering for voluntary departure.

Where to Get Help

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): For information on visas, DACA, TPS, and other benefits. Find official forms and updates at USCIS.gov.
• Immigrant Rights Organizations: Groups like the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offer legal help and advocacy.
• Local community groups: Many local organizations provide support, legal clinics, and resources for immigrants.

Conclusion

The United States 🇺🇸 is seeing major changes in immigration policy in 2025, with a strong focus on reducing the undocumented population through both enforcement and voluntary departure programs. However, most undocumented immigrants are unlikely to self-deport because of deep family and community ties, economic needs, and fear of government actions. The end of key protections like DACA and TPS, along with expanded enforcement, is creating new risks and challenges for millions of people.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the real impact of these policies is complex, affecting not just individuals but also families, employers, and entire communities. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal and political battles likely to shape the future of immigration in the United States 🇺🇸.

For the most current information and official guidance, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s immigration statistics page. If you have a pending application or need legal advice, consult a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted immigrant rights organization. Taking these steps can help you stay informed and prepared in these uncertain times.

Learn Today

DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program protecting eligible young immigrants from deportation.
TPS → Temporary Protected Status, a humanitarian program granting temporary legal status to immigrants from unsafe countries.
Self-Deportation → Voluntary departure from the US by undocumented immigrants, incentivized by government financial support.
Expedited Removal → A fast-track deportation process allowing quick removal of immigrants without court hearings.
Sensitive Zones → Locations like schools and hospitals where immigration arrests were previously restricted to protect vulnerable populations.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, new US immigration policies drastically reduce undocumented population through enforcement and voluntary departure programs. Despite incentives, self-deportation remains low due to community roots, fear, and economic needs. Key protections end, raising risks for millions. Immigrants face uncertainty amid expanding deportations and changing legal landscapes.
— By VisaVerge.com