WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to officially roll out a self-deportation program aimed at incentivizing migrants living in the United States illegally to leave the country voluntarily.
What is the Self-Deportation Program?
In a video posted on social media, President Trump explained that the program offers illegal immigrants a free flight to any country — except the U.S. — as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration.
“We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America. Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country,” Trump stated.
The president emphasized that migrants who choose not to leave voluntarily will face significant consequences, including “severe punishments” like jail time, financial penalties, and even confiscation of property.
“Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties, confiscation of all property, garnishment of all wages, imprisonment, and sudden deportation in a place, and manner solely of our discretion,” Trump warned.
Exit Bonus for Self-Deportation
Trump also unveiled an exit bonus program to further incentivize voluntary departure. The administration is offering migrants a $1,000 payment through the CBP Home app, a system introduced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to streamline the self-deportation process.
Once migrants confirm their arrival in another country, they will receive the payment, and in the meantime, they will be deprioritized for detention and removal as long as they are making progress in their departure.
Concerns Over Self-Deportation Payment
While the program is being framed as a cost-saving solution, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has cautioned migrants against accepting the payment without first consulting a legal expert. AILA raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences, including being barred from returning to the U.S. in the future.
“AILA cautions individuals when reviewing the announcement to understand it is deceptive and gives people the impression there are no consequences,” the association said.
Trump’s Focus on Illegal Immigration
The self-deportation program is part of President Trump’s broader effort to crack down on illegal immigration. Since the start of his second term, his administration has deported over 135,000 individuals in just the first 100 days.
Trump has made addressing illegal immigration one of his highest priorities, vowing to deport millions of undocumented migrants. In a statement Friday, the president suggested that some migrants who prove themselves to be “really good” may receive federal assistance if they choose to return to the U.S. in the future.
Next Steps in the Self-Deportation Plan
While this executive order marks a bold step in the administration’s immigration agenda, its full impact remains to be seen, particularly as legal challenges and concerns over migrant rights continue to grow.
