Trump says immigrants can return legally but they must self-deport now, floats deadline

President Donald Trump made a bold statement during his second public meeting with his Cabinet at the White House, declaring that there will soon be a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. or they will not be permitted to reenter legally. The president emphasized the importance of working with undocumented immigrants to facilitate their legal return to the country, provided they depart “in a nice way.”

“We’re going to work with people, so that if they go out in a nice way, and go back to their country, we’re going to work with them right from the beginning on trying to get them back in legally,” Trump stated after remarks from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Trump also mentioned that there would be a time limit for illegal immigrants to return, likely set at 60 days, to encourage compliance with the new regulations. The Trump administration has initiated a voluntary removal effort, urging immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S. to self-deport through the CBP Home app. Over 5,000 individuals have chosen to self-deport in the past month, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.

Secretary Noem highlighted the penalties for undocumented immigrants who fail to register their status with the federal government, including criminal charges and fines of up to $1,000 per day. She emphasized that those who do not comply will be permanently barred from returning to America.

The administration is working to ensure that deported immigrants are supported upon their return to their home countries, with programs in Mexico, El Salvador, and Colombia offering assistance with food and housing. Noem underscored the importance of providing deported individuals with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for additional comments on the matter, but did not receive a response in time for publication. The efforts to enforce immigration laws and regulate the return of undocumented individuals are ongoing, as the administration seeks to uphold national security and immigration policies.