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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new initiative offering $1,000 stipends to illegal immigrants who choose to self-deport. This move, announced Monday (May 5), aims to reduce the costs associated with deportation by up to 70%, according to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The average cost of arresting, detaining, and deporting an individual is currently $17,121.
“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,” Noem said in a statement. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”
The program, accessed through the CBP Home App, provides financial and travel assistance for those willing to return to their home countries voluntarily. Once their return is confirmed via the app, they receive the stipend. The first successful use of this program involved an individual traveling from Chicago to Honduras, with more departures planned in the coming weeks.
DHS emphasizes that self-deportation is a dignified and cost-effective method for illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. and avoid encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Participation in the program may also preserve future opportunities for legal re-entry into the United States.
This initiative follows previous self-deportation programs, such as the 2008 Operation Self Departure, which had limited success. However, DHS hopes the financial incentive will encourage more participants this time. Newsweek reports that similar programs in other countries have had varying levels of success.