On May 5, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced a plan to facilitate President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. The administration announced a “historic opportunity” for undocumented migrants to receive a $1,000 stipend and a free trip home if they agree to leave the US of their own accord. To take part in this program, those who decide to self-deport will use the Trump administration’s “CBP Home” App which was launched to aid in voluntary self-deportations.

The monetary incentive being offered to migrants who leave the US on their own will be paid after they it’s confirmed through the App that they’ve arrived in their country of origin. Along with the travel arrangements and stipend, President Trump stated that his administration would “work with” undocumented migrants who self-deport, noting that “if they’re good, if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can.”

Officials say this plan is a more respectful way to handle deportation and saves taxpayers’ money. Right now, it usually costs over $17,000 to arrest, hold, and send one person back to their country. Kristi Noem, the head of Homeland Security, added that “self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.” Not everyone agrees with the Trump Administration’s vanguard plan; New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat, reminded the public on social media, “[W]e don’t bribe people to leave. We build a country where everyone belongs.”