Key Takeaways
• The DHS self-deportation program launched May 5, 2025, offers $1,000 plus travel help via the CBP Home App.
• Over 5,000 immigrants self-deported in April 2025; first charter flight departed Houston May 19, 2025, with 65 participants.
• Self-deportation triggers a 10-year US reentry ban and may affect future visa eligibility and legal status.
A growing number of undocumented immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 are now choosing to leave the country on their own, thanks to a new self-deportation program launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Announced on May 5, 2025, this initiative marks a major change in how the government handles immigration enforcement. Instead of relying only on arrests and forced removals, the program encourages voluntary departure by offering financial help and travel assistance. The program uses the CBP Home App, making it easier for people to start the process and receive support.
Who is involved? The program is run by the Department of Homeland Security and uses technology developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It targets undocumented immigrants living in the United States 🇺🇸 who want to return to their home countries. What is happening? The government is providing a $1,000 stipend and free or subsidized travel to those who self-deport using the CBP Home App. When did this start? The initiative began in May 2025, with the first charter flight taking place on May 19, 2025. Where is it happening? The program is available nationwide, with flights departing from cities like Chicago and Houston. Why is this happening? The goal is to reduce the costs and challenges of traditional deportation, while giving undocumented immigrants a safer and more dignified way to leave. How does it work? Eligible individuals use the CBP Home App to declare their intent to depart, coordinate travel, and receive financial support after their return is confirmed.
Below, we break down the details of the self-deportation program, how it works, its legal consequences, and what it means for immigrants, families, and the broader immigration system.
How the Self-Deportation Program Works
The self-deportation program is designed to make voluntary departure easier and less stressful for undocumented immigrants. The process is managed through the CBP Home App, a digital tool created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Here’s how the process works step by step:
- Download the CBP Home App: The app is available for smartphones and guides users through each part of the process.
- Submit an “Intent to Depart” Declaration: Individuals fill out a form in the app stating they want to leave the United States 🇺🇸 voluntarily.
- Provide Identification and Travel Information: The app asks for basic identification and details about the person’s home country.
- Wait for Approval and Travel Coordination: DHS reviews the request, arranges travel (either commercial or charter flights), and confirms the departure date.
- Depart the United States: Once approved, the individual leaves the country. After their arrival is confirmed, they receive a $1,000 stipend.
Key Benefits:
– Financial Support: Each participant receives a $1,000 stipend after their return is confirmed.
– Travel Assistance: The program covers travel costs, making it easier for people who may not have the money to leave on their own.
– Deprioritized for Detention: Once someone starts the process and shows progress, they are less likely to be detained or removed by force before their departure.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach is much cheaper for the government. Traditional deportation costs about $17,121 per person, while the self-deportation program is expected to cut costs by about 70 percent—even after including the stipend.
For more details on voluntary departure and related forms, you can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) voluntary departure page.
Recent Developments and Program Statistics
The self-deportation initiative has seen quick adoption since its launch:
- Over 5,000 people used the CBP Home App to self-deport in April 2025 alone.
- The first charter flight under the program left Houston on May 19, 2025, carrying 65 people from Honduras and Colombia.
- Individual commercial flights started earlier in May, with the first reported flight from Chicago to Honduras.
These numbers show that many undocumented immigrants are interested in the program, especially those who want to avoid arrest or forced removal. The Department of Homeland Security says that the program is not only cheaper but also safer for everyone involved.
Secretary Kristi Noem explained, “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.”
Border Enforcement and Broader Context
The self-deportation program comes at a time when border crossings are dropping sharply. According to CBP’s March 2025 statistics:
- U.S. Border Patrol caught 7,181 undocumented immigrants crossing the southwest border in March 2025.
- This is a 14% decrease from February 2025 (8,346 apprehensions).
- It’s a 95% decrease from March 2024 (137,473 apprehensions).
- Daily apprehensions averaged 264 per day in March 2025, down from 330 per day in February and 4,488 per day in March 2024.
Acting Commissioner Pete Flores noted, “U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border for the entire month of March 2025 were lower than the first two days of March 2024.”
This drop in border crossings is partly due to stricter enforcement, increased patrols, and new policies like the self-deportation program. The government has also started other measures, such as:
- Fines of up to $998 per day for immigrants who stay after receiving removal orders.
- Ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans and Cameroonians, affecting over 12,000 people.
- More border patrols with help from the Department of Defense.
- Using old laws like the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1958 for enforcement.
Legal Consequences and Important Considerations
While the self-deportation program offers financial and travel help, it also has serious legal consequences. Anyone thinking about using the program should understand these risks:
- 10-Year Reentry Ban: If someone has been in the United States 🇺🇸 without permission for more than a year, leaving (even voluntarily) triggers a 10-year ban on returning.
- Future Visa Eligibility: Voluntary departure can affect a person’s chances of getting a visa or legal status in the future.
- No Guaranteed Path to Citizenship: The program does not promise any way to become a U.S. citizen or return legally.
- Case-by-Case Impact: The exact consequences depend on each person’s immigration history and situation.
The administration has said that self-deporting “may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future,” and President Trump has suggested that people who leave voluntarily “could potentially have the opportunity to return legally at some point in the future.” However, there are no clear details or guarantees about these possible pathways.
Expert Advice: Immigration lawyers and advocates strongly recommend that anyone considering self-deportation talk to a qualified immigration attorney first. The legal consequences can last for a decade or more, and each case is different.
Stakeholder Perspectives
For Immigrants and Families
For undocumented immigrants, the self-deportation program offers a way to leave the United States 🇺🇸 with some financial help and less risk of arrest. It may be especially appealing to those who fear being detained or separated from their families. However, the 10-year reentry ban and other legal consequences mean that this decision can have a lasting impact on families and future opportunities.
For Employers
Employers who rely on undocumented workers may see changes as more people choose to self-deport. This could lead to labor shortages in industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality, where undocumented workers are common.
For the Government and Taxpayers
The Department of Homeland Security says the program saves money by reducing the need for costly arrests, detention, and forced removals. The $1,000 stipend and travel costs are much lower than the average cost of traditional deportation.
For Advocacy Groups
Some advocates see the program as a safer, more humane option compared to forced removals. Others worry that fear of enforcement and lack of clear information may pressure people into leaving without fully understanding the consequences. Michelle Brané, former executive director of the Biden administration’s Family Reunification Task Force, said, “In principle, [self-deporting] could be a very good option for people.” But she warned that the government’s tough enforcement tactics might scare people away from using the CBP Home App, and stressed the need for clear information and protection of rights.
Future Outlook and Possible Changes
The Department of Homeland Security has said it may expand the self-deportation program in the future, possibly allowing more people to participate. President Trump has also suggested a new program that would let “great people” who self-deport and have an employer sponsor return legally to the United States 🇺🇸. However, no official details have been released.
As the program grows, officials say their goal is to support immigration law while giving people a chance to leave with dignity and less risk. The administration believes that voluntary departure is better for both immigrants and taxpayers.
Practical Guidance for Those Considering Self-Deportation
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-deportation, here are some important steps to take:
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Before making any decisions, talk to a qualified lawyer who understands immigration law. They can explain the risks and help you understand your options.
- Review Your Immigration History: Your past entries, exits, and time spent in the United States 🇺🇸 can affect your legal situation.
- Use Official Resources: Only use the official CBP Home App and government websites for information and to start the process. Avoid scams or unofficial services.
- Understand the Consequences: Know that self-deporting can trigger a 10-year ban and affect your future chances of returning.
- Keep Records: Save all documents and communications related to your departure, in case you need them in the future.
For more information about voluntary departure and related forms, visit the official USCIS voluntary departure page.
Conclusion
The self-deportation program launched by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2025 is changing how undocumented immigrants leave the United States 🇺🇸. By offering financial and travel help through the CBP Home App, the government hopes to make voluntary departure safer, cheaper, and more humane. Early numbers show that thousands of people are using the program, and the first charter flights have already taken place.
However, self-deportation is not a simple decision. It comes with serious legal consequences, including long bans on returning to the United States 🇺🇸. Anyone considering this option should get legal advice and fully understand what it means for their future.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the program is part of a larger effort to enforce immigration laws while reducing costs and risks. Whether the program will expand or change in the future remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a new path for those who want to leave the country on their own terms.
Key Takeaways:
– The self-deportation program offers $1,000 and travel help to undocumented immigrants who leave voluntarily using the CBP Home App.
– More than 5,000 people used the program in April 2025, with the first charter flight in May.
– Self-deportation can trigger a 10-year ban and affect future visa chances.
– Always consult an immigration attorney before making decisions about self-deportation.
– Official information and forms are available on the USCIS voluntary departure page.
By staying informed and seeking proper guidance, immigrants and their families can make the best choices for their futures in a changing immigration landscape.
Learn Today
Self-Deportation → Voluntary departure by undocumented immigrants from the US without forced removal by authorities.
Department of Homeland Security → US government agency managing national security and immigration enforcement policies.
CBP Home App → An official mobile app enabling immigrants to declare voluntary departure and coordinate travel support.
10-Year Reentry Ban → A legal prohibition preventing reentry to the US for ten years after unauthorized presence.
Charter Flight → A non-commercial flight arranged specifically to transport groups, such as self-deporting immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
The DHS self-deportation program offers undocumented immigrants $1,000 and travel assistance if they voluntarily leave using the CBP Home App. Started in May 2025, it reduces deportation costs by 70%, supports safer departures, and has seen thousands participate, despite legal consequences like a 10-year reentry ban.
— By VisaVerge.com
