$1,000 to Leave US: New Trump policy aims to lower deportation costs and encourage undocumented migrants to self-deport

The Trump administration has introduced a new initiative that offers $1,000 to migrants who voluntarily choose to leave the United States, helping cover their travel expenses. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the program on May 5.

DHS noted that the government typically spends about $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport an individual without legal status. By contrast, providing a modest financial incentive for voluntary departure is significantly more cost-effective.

“Choosing to leave the United States voluntarily is the safest, most efficient, and most affordable option for those here without legal status,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement. “It helps individuals avoid arrest and legal consequences.”

DHS stated that the $1,000 stipend will be issued once a person’s return to their home country is verified through the CBP Home app. The agency added that, even with the stipend and travel assistance, the use of the CBP Home program is expected to reduce deportation costs by approximately 70 per cent.

The agency also noted that one individual from Honduras has already used the new program to return to their home country. President Donald Trump, during his campaign for the White House, pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement a central focus of his administration, pledging to remove millions of undocumented migrants from the United States. Since January 20, his administration has deported 152,000 individuals—demonstrating a strong commitment to upholding immigration laws and enhancing border security. The CBP Home app, which tracks and verifies departures, plays a central role in ensuring compliance and transparency. DHS officials emphasized that the initiative is not an amnesty or forgiveness program but rather a practical solution to manage the undocumented population more efficiently.

In April, President Trump previewed the stipend initiative, indicating that the US would consider allowing migrants and asylum seekers to return in the future. “If they’re good, if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can,” he said at the time.