The Trump administration has launched a self-deportation initiative, offering $1,000 and paid travel to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States. This plan, now operated through the repurposed CBP Home app, urges individuals to turn themselves in, give up their right to due process, and exit the country—often without fully understanding the legal protections they may already qualify for.
Supporters argue that the policy saves taxpayer dollars and eases pressure on immigration enforcement. But The Law Offices of James A. Welcome sees this for what it is: a political tactic designed to increase deportations while bypassing the legal safeguards meant to protect immigrant families. The reality is that many undocumented individuals may have a valid path to remain in the U.S. through family-based petitions, asylum, TPS, or other forms of relief. Accepting this offer could mean giving up that chance forever.
This is not a solution—it’s a trap wrapped in a one-time payment. No one should leave the country without first understanding their legal options. Call Attorney James A. Welcome at (203) 753-7300 to learn more.
What Is the Self-Deportation Offer?
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will provide a $1,000 stipend and full travel assistance to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States and return to their home country using a mobile app now called CBP Home (formerly known as CBP One under the Biden administration).
In the government’s words, those who choose to self-deport through the app will be “deprioritized” for detention and removal. That means immigration enforcement officials may not actively pursue arrest or deportation while the self-deportation process is underway.
This program comes as the Trump administration attempts to reduce the high cost of formal deportation. DHS estimates that it costs over $17,000 per person to arrest, detain, and remove someone from the U.S.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Immigration enforcement has once again become a central focus of President Trump’s administration. Having made tough immigration policies a hallmark of his campaign, his team is now putting those promises into action—emphasizing both mass deportation and “cost-saving” measures.
This new self-deportation program appears to be both a financial strategy and a political move. Rather than expanding detention centers immediately, the administration is encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily—with incentives—in order to free up ICE resources.
It’s worth noting that this initiative also marks a major shift in how the government is using digital tools. Under the Biden administration, the CBP One app allowed migrants to schedule lawful entry appointments. The rebranded CBP Home app is now a tool for people to schedule their own exit instead.
What DHS and Trump Are Saying
In a public statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem 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.”
President Trump also commented directly on the program, suggesting that people who “self-deport” may be viewed more favorably in the future if they attempt to return legally:
“If they’re good people and love our country, maybe they’ll have a chance to come back the right way. And if they aren’t, they won’t.”
These comments raise several questions about who qualifies as a “good person” in the government’s eyes—and what the legal path back to the U.S. might actually look like in practice.
Why Immigration Is Central to Trump’s Agenda—and Why You Shouldn’t Self-Deport Without Legal Guidance
From the start of his political career, Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement a signature issue. In his 2024 presidential campaign, he repeatedly promised mass deportations, increased border security, and expanded enforcement of immigration laws. Now, during his second term, we are seeing those promises become policy—fast.
This renewed push is not just about national security or border control. It’s also a political strategy aimed at sending a message: that the U.S. will no longer tolerate unauthorized immigration, even if it means encouraging families to tear themselves apart voluntarily.
But this strategy overlooks a key truth: many undocumented immigrants in the United States have strong legal grounds to stay. Whether through family ties, humanitarian relief, work-based programs, or long-term presence, countless individuals may be eligible for immigration benefits—but they’ll never know unless they speak to a qualified immigration attorney.
Accepting $1,000 to leave the country may seem like a quick fix—but for most people, it’s not a solution at all. It can be a permanent exit from a life they’ve built, with no path back. And for immigrants who have contributed to their communities, raised families, and followed the law in every way they could, it is profoundly un-American to suggest that they leave without due process.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we believe that every immigrant deserves the chance to be heard, to present their case, and to be evaluated fairly under the law. If you are undocumented, don’t let political pressure rob you of the chance to stay legally in the country you call home.
What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision
While the offer of $1,000 and paid travel may sound appealing to those living in fear of arrest or struggling financially, there are serious legal consequences to consider before voluntarily leaving the U.S.
1.) Self-Deportation Can Trigger Long-Term Bars
If you’ve been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than 180 days, leaving the country—voluntarily or not—can trigger a 3-year or 10-year reentry bar under current immigration law. That means even if you qualify for a visa later, you may be denied because you left after accruing unlawful presence.
2.) There Are No Guarantees of Future Reentry
Although President Trump hinted at the possibility of future legal return for those who self-deport, there are no formal pathways or protections offered under this new policy. The law does not currently provide exceptions for those who voluntarily leave under this program.
3.) You May Still Be Detained While Applying
While DHS claims that applicants will be “deprioritized” for removal, there is no legal protection from arrest while your self-deportation request is processed. Immigration enforcement agencies retain broad discretion.
4.) Your Information Will Be Shared
Using the CBP Home app means voluntarily submitting your personal data—including your location, travel details, and immigration history—to DHS. That information could be used in future enforcement actions or shared across federal agencies.
Who Is Using the Program?
According to DHS, “thousands” of undocumented migrants have already used the CBP Home app to request self-deportation assistance. Most are individuals who do not have pending asylum claims or legal relief options, and many report feeling safer managing their own departure rather than risking detention.
What Should You Do If You’re Undocumented Right Now?
If you’re living in the United States without legal status, it’s important not to make any rushed decisions based on fear or confusion. Here are a few steps to take before considering any interaction with this program:
– Speak to an immigration attorney. Every case is different. You may have legal options available—even if you’ve been undocumented for years.
– Do not rely on social media rumors. Always verify information with a trusted source. Misinformation spreads quickly, especially during policy changes.
– Know your rights. You are not required to download or use the CBP Home app, and you do not have to speak with ICE or DHS without legal representation.
– Explore all relief options. You may qualify for asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or protection under a humanitarian program such as DACA, TPS, or VAWA.
Final Thoughts: A Dangerous Precedent?
The Trump administration’s $1,000 self-deportation offer may seem like a quick solution—but for many undocumented immigrants, it carries serious legal risks that can affect their ability to return to the United States for years, if ever.
At a time when policy is shifting quickly and immigration enforcement is becoming more aggressive, self-deportation should not be taken lightly. Families who have built their lives here—who are working, paying taxes, and raising children—deserve reliable legal guidance, not rushed decisions driven by fear.
If you are undocumented and unsure about how this new policy might impact you or your family, now is the time to seek legal support. Don’t rely on rumors, unofficial advice, or mobile apps that could put you at greater risk. Instead, speak with an experienced Connecticut immigration attorney who can help you understand your rights, assess your options, and take action to protect your future.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we’ve been standing with immigrants across Connecticut for over 20 years. Our dedicated immigration team helps individuals and families with deportation defense, asylum claims, family-based petitions, adjustment of status, DACA, TPS, and more. We serve clients throughout Waterbury, Danbury, Norwalk, Hartford, Bridgeport, and we provide services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today. Call (203) 753-7300 or visit www.welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a confidential immigration consultation with a trusted legal team that will advocate for you and your family.