In one of the most striking measures of his second term, President Donald Trump announced a new federal program offering $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who choose to voluntarily leave the United States.
Referred to as "incentivized self-deportation," the Trump administration's strategy makes the CBP Home government application an essential tool for those who wish to take part in this program.
The plan, presented as a more efficient and less costly solution than traditional deportation, has already begun to be implemented and includes a one-time payment upon completion of the departure from the country.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the amount will be transferred once the migrant's arrival in their home country is confirmed, verified through the same CBP Home application.
A "worthy" exit with benefits
The initiative aims to provide a "dignified exit" for migrants without legal status, allowing them to arrange their return without being apprehended by immigration agents. According to the DHS, the use of CBP Home can reduce deportation costs by up to 70%, which currently average around $17,121 per person.
"We are going to give them some money and a plane ticket. And if they are good, if we want them to come back, we will work to get them back as quickly as possible, but through legal means," Trump said during an event at the White House.
Migrants who enroll in the program will also be removed from ICE's priority detention and deportation lists, as long as they demonstrate that they are actively managing their departure.
How does the process work?
The process must be completed through the CBP Home application, available for mobile devices. Once the intention to leave has been registered, the migrant can book a flight to their country of origin and access the financial assistance by confirming their arrival through the app.
In addition to the payment of $1,000, the government will also cover the cost of the airfare, as confirmed by DHS spokespersons. The application, officially launched last March, allows users to complete the process without the need to visit an immigration office or undergo legal proceedings.
Since its launch, at least 2,500 people had already registered in CBP Home by early April, and an increasing number have begun their voluntary return, according to official data.
Consequences for those who do not comply
The Trump administration has made it clear that those who do not take advantage of this voluntary alternative will face harsher consequences: detention, forced deportation, fines of up to 998 dollars per day, and even the confiscation of assets if deadlines to leave the country are not met.
"This is your opportunity to leave on your own terms", ICE published in a recent message on the social network X. "Say goodbye to your loved ones and, if eligible, you could return legally later," they added.
Criticism from human rights organizations
However, the measure has generated criticism. Migrant advocacy organizations have questioned the ambiguity of the "good people" criterion that the government would use to allow future re-entries.
They also point out that many migrants face critical situations in their countries of origin—extreme poverty, violence, or political persecution—and that a payment of 1,000 dollars does not change that reality.
"This type of program only shifts the problem without addressing the structural causes of migration," denounced a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch.
A new chapter in Trump's immigration policy
The proposal comes after the first 100 days of Trump's second term, characterized by a tightening of immigration policy and pressure from conservative sectors for higher expulsion numbers.
Although ICE claims to have deported more than 65,000 people during this period, the figures do not significantly exceed the levels seen under the previous administration. In response, the government is promoting self-deportation as a more efficient and less confrontational strategy that aims to project control without the need for large-scale operations.
The effectiveness of this measure will largely depend on its implementation and whether it is perceived by migrants as a realistic and safe avenue for returning to their countries with dignity.
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