In the United States, undocumented immigrants will not be allowed to fly unless they "self-deport."

Another twist: The Donald Trump administration has unveiled new restrictions prohibiting undocumented immigrants from boarding commercial flights, except to voluntarily leave the country.

This new measure, shared on the Department of Homeland Security's official Facebook page, is part of an increasingly harsh immigration policy promoted by the current Republican administration.

"Only if it's to leave the country"

The DHS message warns that “the only place an illegal immigrant should fly is home.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reinforced this policy by stating that the use of the REAL ID will serve as a filter. Without this document, which is inaccessible to undocumented immigrants, they cannot board a plane from the next flight. May 7, which would serve to prevent people without immigration status from accessing internal flights within the United States.

The only place an illegal alien should be flying is home.

Under the leadership of @Sec_Noem, illegal aliens will be barred from commercial flights, with one exception: self-deporting. REAL ID is encouraging illegal aliens to exit from the UShttps://t.co/6Z81t6n1SI

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 15, 2025

CBP Home: The Self-Deportation App

Let's remember that along with this measure, the DHS is promoting the use of the CBP Home app to facilitate self-deportation. Through this tool, undocumented immigrants can organize their voluntary departure from the country, report their departure, and avoid more severe penalties. Even Trump himself has demanded that undocumented immigrants "leave the easy way, or they will leave the easy way."

And now the official DHS notice also includes a direct warning: those who fail to leave the United States after their stay expires will face fines of nearly $1.000 for each additional day they remain in the country without authorization.

Criticism and fear in migrant communities

The measure has sparked a wave of reaction, especially among organizations defending migrant rights. Several activists have pointed out that this policy could translate into a further tightening of the environment for those already living in precarious conditions or facing pending legal proceedings.

On social networks, testimonies from worried people multiplied.cupDistraught by the repercussions. One user shared that her mother, who has been undocumented for years, will not be able to fly to see a sick relative in another state in an emergency. Another comment warned that “not even in the worst Trump years was there such an explicit exclusion policy in transportation.”

Uncertainty has also been expressed among migrants with pending procedures, such as family petitions, asylum applications, or adjustment of status. Although details have not yet been given on how their situation will be handled at airports, it is expected that the screening measures will be strictly enforced.

What if there are emergencies or transfers for medical reasons?

For now, DHS has not announced any exceptions for humanitarian, medical, or family reasons. It has also not been confirmed whether these controls will affect access to other interstate transportation services. In any case, this policy confirms a clear course of action: to minimize the mobility possibilities for undocumented immigrants within the country.

Activists and lawyers recommend that those in an irregular immigration status avoid any air travel within the United States without first consulting with an immigration specialist. Using ground transportation remains an option, although it is not without risks in some states with high immigration enforcement.