Trump will give a check to illegal immigrants in the United States to deport themselves.

The U.S. government will pay a stipend to those who self-deport. If they don't, they'll be deported, but the latter costs American taxpayers 70% more.

DHS promotes self-deportation as the preferred route for migrants without legal status and offers financial assistance to leave the country without being arrested.

Self-deportation with financial assistance

The United States government has officially launched a campaign to encourage voluntary self-deportation of undocumented immigrants. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that those who self-deport using the CBP Home app will receive financial assistance for their travel and an additional stipend.

"It's the safest and most cost-effective way to leave the country and avoid arrest," Noem posted on her official account, in a message later shared by the DHS itself. She claimed this option represents a 70% savings for American taxpayers.

Using the CBP Home app

The CBP Home app, the successor to CBP One, was originally created for legal entry procedures. However, in recent months it has become the official platform for managing voluntary departures from the country, including coordinating return flights and providing the financial support announced.

The government prioritizes this option over deportation proceedings, which entail much higher costs for transportation, custody, and detention.

Cubans among the most affected

The DHS message comes at a delicate time: thousands of Cubans who entered the United States through CBP One have begun receiving notifications revoking their work permits. Many are given 15 days to demonstrate valid status or leave the country.

"They're taking away my permit, and now they're saying they'll pay me to leave. But I didn't come to beg; I came to work," said one affected Cuban in statements reported by local media.

Immigration lawyers point out that this measure puts hundreds of families, many with young children, who came to the country under legal programs now dismantled by the current administration against a wall.

Risks of a poorly managed exit

Immigration law experts insist that, although self-deportation may seem like a straightforward solution, it should be considered with legal counsel, since agreeing to leave the country could close off other avenues for legalization, such as asylum or Cuban adjustment.

“A deportation in absentia, even a voluntary one, can leave a mark on an immigration record that is very difficult to reverse,” warns attorney Liudmila A. Marcelo.

A complete turnaround in immigration policy

Since January 2025With Donald Trump's return to the presidency, the main pillars of the CBP One program have been dismantled. Permits have been revoked, paroles eliminated, and the criteria for new applications have been tightened. Now, paid self-deportation is being presented as the official alternative.

Although it may seem like an attractive offer to avoid forced deportation, many fear it will be a one-way trip. And others simply have no way or place to leave.

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.

This is… pic.twitter.com/2f02wLWQi5

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 5, 2025