Trump executive order offers illegal migrants ‘exit bonus’ in first-ever self-deportation program
President Donald Trump made a groundbreaking announcement on Friday by signing an executive order to establish the first-ever self-deportation program for illegal migrants. The program, named “Project Homecoming,” aims to incentivize illegal migrants to voluntarily leave the country by offering them a free flight and a cash bonus. In a video post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted that the program would save taxpayers “billions and billions” of dollars.
Under the new program, illegal migrants can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight to any foreign country of their choice, as long as it is not the United States. Additionally, they will be offered a significant exit bonus to encourage them to leave. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed earlier in the week that migrants would receive a $1,000 stipend each to depart. This measure is expected to be 70% cheaper for American taxpayers compared to the current costs of arresting, detaining, and deporting individuals.
Trump emphasized that illegal migrants could use the Homeland Security CBP One app to arrange their deportations. The app, originally designed by the Biden administration to expedite migrants’ entry into the U.S., has now been repurposed to facilitate self-deportation and notify migrants of their revoked legal status.
The White House projected that the financial incentives provided through the self-deportation program would have long-term benefits for Americans, as illegal migrants were estimated to cost taxpayers $150 billion in FY 2023 alone. The administration underscored the detrimental impact of illegal migration on American communities, citing increased crime, vagrancy, violence, and strain on social services.
Trump also criticized his predecessor, former President Biden, for overseeing record numbers of border crossers during his tenure. He condemned the “lawless invasion” of illegal migrants and pledged to address the challenges posed by their presence in the country. While emphasizing the consequences for non-compliance with the executive order, Trump hinted at the possibility of allowing well-behaved migrants to return to the U.S. under the new plan’s regulations.
In conclusion, the establishment of the self-deportation program marks a significant shift in immigration policy under the Trump administration. By offering incentives for illegal migrants to voluntarily leave the country, the program aims to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers and address the negative impact of unlawful immigration on American society.
