McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — The Trump administration revealed on Monday that it will cover travel expenses by offering up to $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who choose to self-deport.
The Department of Homeland Security described it as a “historic opportunity” for those residing illegally in the country to ease their return to their homeland through the CBP Home App.
This application, formerly known as the CBP One app for scheduling asylum appointments, is now being implemented for immigrants to self-deport under a program introduced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in late February.
Officials said a stipend of up to $1,000 in U.S. dollars will be paid to immigrants after their return to their home country has been confirmed via the CBP Home app.
The agency also will help assist travel booking and airline tickets, as well as providing necessary travel documents if those who are self-deporting request it, according to the agency’s website.
Those who ask for assistance can expect to deport in about 21 days, the agency said.
DHS estimates that self deportations could save the U.S. government 70% the cost of deporting immigrants who are illegally in the United States. The current average cost to arrest, detain and remove an immigrant is $17,121, the agency said.
“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,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers.”
But migrant advocates warn that self-deporting could be risky.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council tells Border Report that those who have been in the United States without lawful status for mor than a year and leave the country are barred from reentering for a decade.
“I have serious concerns with how this might impact people in negative ways,” he said.
In addition, he says those who currently are in immigration court proceedings might be ordered deported for missing their court hearing if they are not physically present for their hearing. “Departure can also lead to automatic denials of legal appeals or requests for asylum or other humanitarian protection,” he said.
He warns anyone considering to self-deport to consult with an immigration lawyer.
Those who chose to voluntarily self-deport in the CBP Home app also will be deprioritized for detention and removal as long as they can prove that they are working and making plans for their departure, the agency said.
“The CBP Home program lets eligible aliens return home as regular travelers—without arrest, detention, or restraints. It’s a safe, orderly alternative that provides assistance and flexibility, not fear,” the agency’s website says.
Those who select this option must submit their “Intent to Depart” on the app.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
