FLASHBACK: Mitt Romney mocked in 2012 for self-deportation concept that has now become a reality

President Donald Trump’s push to increase the number of illegal immigrants who self-deport was actually inspired by former Sen. Mitt Romney, who first proposed the idea during his 2012 presidential campaign. Romney suggested the concept of self-deportation as a way for undocumented individuals to voluntarily leave the country due to lack of work opportunities and legal documentation.

During the 2012 Republican primary debate, Romney faced criticism for his self-deportation idea, including from Trump, who described it as “maniacal” and “crazy.” However, fast forward to 2025, and self-deportation has become a central theme of Trump’s immigration policy. The administration has been actively promoting voluntary departures through initiatives such as the CBP Home app, which allows illegal immigrants to arrange their own exit from the United States.

In a recent Oval Office video message, Trump encouraged illegal immigrants to use the CBP Home app to self-deport, emphasizing that those who comply may have the opportunity to return legally in the future. The message seems to have resonated, as data from the Department of Homeland Security shows that over 5,000 individuals have used the app to voluntarily leave the country.

To further incentivize self-deportation, the Trump administration has introduced a new plan to impose fines on illegal immigrants who have received a final order of removal and fail to comply. These individuals could face fines of $998 per day for remaining in the country against the deportation order. Additionally, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are proposed for those who claim they will self-deport but do not follow through.

DHS has also released informational materials outlining the benefits of self-deportation, highlighting that individuals who leave voluntarily can keep the money they earned in the U.S. and retain the option to legally migrate back in the future. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the consequences of not self-deporting, stating that those who choose to stay will face fines and potential legal actions.

Overall, the Trump administration’s renewed push for self-deportation reflects a continuation of Romney’s original concept, aiming to streamline the removal process for illegal immigrants and promote lawful migration in the future. The efforts to increase voluntary departures align with the administration’s broader immigration policy objectives and commitment to enforcing border security measures.