Under the updated program, migrants using the CBP Home app to self-deport will have their travel fully arranged and covered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They may also qualify for forgiveness of civil fines or penalties for failing to leave the country. Officials say this approach is a cost-effective alternative to traditional arrests and removals, which can cost the government an estimated $17,000 per person.
The campaign is timed for the holiday season, with DHS even posting a warning on its X account telling undocumented migrants that they are “GOING HO HO HOME.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that voluntary self-deportation is a safer and faster option than enforcement actions, stating, “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”
Since January 2025, about 1.9 million migrants have reportedly self-deported, tens of thousands using the CBP Home app. While these figures have not been independently verified, Trump advisers argue that each voluntary departure saves significant taxpayer money, potentially avoiding future benefits costs of up to $1 million per migrant.
What does the $3,000 stipend include?
The new stipend program covers both the financial bonus and all travel expenses for migrants who choose to leave voluntarily. The CBP Home app, originally created under the Biden administration to schedule asylum interviews, has been repurposed to facilitate voluntary departures. DHS officials describe this approach as a faster and cheaper alternative to arrests and detention, which remain costly and resource-intensive.
According to Trump adviser Stephen Miller, each self-deportation could save taxpayers “up to a million dollars or more” in future government benefits. While the administration has not released detailed cost breakdowns for the increased stipend, officials argue that even with the $3,000 payout, the program is still far less expensive than traditional enforcement measures.
Are non-voluntary arrests and deportations still happening?
Despite the voluntary departure incentives, non-voluntary arrests and deportations continue at a significant scale. Since Trump took office in January 2025, ICE has deported over 335,000 people and arrested more than 285,000 individuals accused of being in the United States illegally or otherwise deportable. These figures suggest that the administration is pursuing both voluntary and enforcement-based strategies simultaneously to meet its immigration targets.Legal experts caution that migrants who self-deport may not always be able to return legally. Many people living in the U.S. without status face automatic re-entry bans that can last several years. Waivers are rare, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of the voluntary program.
What other immigration changes are being implemented?
The stipend increase coincides with other restrictive immigration measures. The administration has announced plans to re-review refugee cases from the Biden era and temporarily freeze green card applications for certain groups. Additionally, the travel ban has expanded from 19 countries to more than 30, influencing legal immigration pathways for individuals from affected nations.
Officials argue these steps are necessary to prioritize national security and manage immigration efficiently. Critics, however, say the measures could create uncertainty for refugees and legal immigrants while placing additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.
FAQs:
Q: What is the $3,000 migrant self-deportation program and who qualifies? A: The Trump administration offers $3,000 plus paid travel for undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. before the end of 2025. Travelers use the CBP Home app to schedule departures. Participants may also receive forgiveness for civil fines or penalties for overstaying.
Q: How does this program affect ICE arrests and immigration enforcement?
A: Voluntary self-deportations are intended to reduce enforcement costs, which average $17,000 per migrant. Since January 2025, ICE has deported over 335,000 people and arrested more than 285,000. The program runs alongside ongoing enforcement and expanded travel bans covering more than 30 countries.