Imagine being offered $1,000 and a free flight home to leave the United States.
This is exactly what the Trump administration’s new voluntary departure or self-deportation program proposes. Launched in early 2025, the program – often called Trump’s voluntary departure initiative – offers financial incentives (a self-deportation stipend of $1,000) and travel assistance to undocumented immigrants who agree to leave the country on their own.
In contrast, the Biden administration previously implemented different immigration initiatives, such as the CBP Home app, and took a different stance on voluntary departure and incentives, reflecting a shift in policy approach from the Trump administration.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pitches this as a more “dignified” and cost-effective way to depart, claiming it saves taxpayer money by avoiding costly detention and removal proceedings. But beyond the sales pitch, many questions arise:
Who qualifies, what are the risks, and how does the process actually work?
Below, we go in-depth on how the self-deportation program works and why experts urge caution and legal advice before jumping in.
What Is Self-Deportation?
In simple terms, self-deportation means leaving the U.S. voluntarily rather than being forcibly removed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It’s not a new concept – in the past it often referred to immigrants deciding to depart on their own under pressure.
However, President Trump’s voluntary departure program has put a formal structure and incentives around self-deportation. Announced in May 2025, the program provides “cost-free travel” (plane or bus tickets) and a $1,000 self-deportation stipend for those who use a new mobile application called CBP Home to arrange their departure. Paid travel is a core incentive of the program, with the government covering travel expenses for participants.
Under this initiative, illegal aliens who register their intent to leave through the app can avoid being actively pursued or detained by ICE prior to departurewelcomelawfirm.com.
DHS officials promote this as a win-win: migrants supposedly get a safer, more dignified exit and a bit of cash, while the government saves money. (By DHS’s own estimates, a normal deportation – involving arrest, detention, and escorting someone out – costs over $17,000 per person, versus a few thousand for a plane ticket plus the stipendreuters.com.)
“Self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave…to avoid arrest,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement.
The administration claims the program has contributed to a record low in enforcement costs and border arrests. President Trump hinted that those who self-deport might have a chance at a legal pathway to return in the future, though no formal policy exists.
How does it work?
Essentially, CBP Home (a re-branded version of the CBP One app once used for asylum appointments) lets immigrants notify the government of their intent to depart. In return, DHS helps arrange travel and promises a $1,000 payment once the person’s return to their home country is confirmed. For example, the first migrant to use the program received a flight from Chicago to Honduras as part of this initiative. The program is also promoted as a way for migrants in certain states to avoid arrest by self-deporting voluntarily.
Those who self-deport through the app are “deprioritized” for ICE enforcement during the lead-up to their flightdhs.gov – meaning agents are instructed not to arrest them as long as they are actively arranging departure. The idea is to encourage people to turn themselves in for departure instead of waiting to be caught.
Case in point:
The first migrant to use the program was an individual from Honduras who obtained a DHS-paid plane ticket from Chicago back to Honduras. Within weeks, dozens more followed. In one instance, a DHS-chartered “Project Homecoming” flight from Houston carried 64 self-deporting volunteers to Honduras and Colombia.
Each participant got the free flight, the $1,000 stipend, and even a warm welcome by their home governments – Honduras greeted returnees with a “Brother, Sister, Come Home” package (a small bonus ~$100, food vouchers, and job assistance) to help them resettle. This illustrates how the program is being implemented on the ground.
It’s important to note that self-deportation is still voluntary – at least on paper.
No one is forced to use the CBP Home app or accept the offer. Rather, the administration is trying to make the prospect attractive (or coercive, as critics say) through a mix of carrots and sticks.
On one hand is the carrot: immigration flight assistance (a paid ticket) and the $1,000 bonus.
On the other is the stick: officials warn that those who don’t leave will face intensified crackdowns – possibly raids, detention in ICE custody, hefty fines, and removal to countries or even foreign jails that have struck deals with the U.S.
In fact, in parallel with rolling out the self-deportation stipend program, Trump’s team dramatically stepped up enforcement with a “shock and awe” strategy: high-profile immigration raids (even in once “safe” spaces like schools and churches), threats of $1,000-per-day civil fines, and even transferring some deportees to notorious overseas prisons (for example, sending certain Venezuelan detainees to a mega-prison in El Salvador).
All of this is meant to push undocumented families into choosing voluntary exit over the risk of a forcible one.
Is it really voluntary?
That’s the crux of the debate.
The administration portrays the program as an optional opportunity for those who “want” to go home. Officials emphasize that participants “take control of their departure” and can “leave on their own terms” instead of being arrested.
However, immigration advocates argue that many are effectively being cornered into it. Facing the specter of constant ICE raids or even being sent to ICE detention versus self-deportation, thousands of migrants are feeling pressure to consider this option. Undocumented immigrants face threats of enforcement on a regular basis, which heavily influences their decision-making.
“The campaign has been effective at scaring people – to the point it may prevent people from using the app if they feel coerced,” notes Michelle Brané, former head of a federal reunification task force.
Some critics argue that the program is an attempt to bribe people into leaving, rather than addressing the root causes of migration.
In other words, if an immigrant family is terrified that ICE could raid their home any day, an offer of safe passage out (with some cash) might seem like the lesser of two evils. As we’ll see, though, leaving has major legal consequences, and that $1,000 may not be worth the price of what they give up by self-deporting.
Who Qualifies — And What Are the Risks?
Not every undocumented immigrant can or should jump on the self-deportation program. Eligibility is targeted, at least initially. The initiative prioritizes voluntary departure to avoid removal ahead of enforcement actions, encouraging eligible individuals to leave before facing formal proceedings.
According to DHS, the program’s incentives apply to “non-criminal” undocumented individuals who meet one of these criteria:
Applications are reviewed by immigration enforcement officials, who determine eligibility and oversee the process.
Those who do not participate in the program and fail to self-deport may face traditional deportations as a result of increased enforcement efforts.
Recent Border Entrants:
Anyone illegally in the U.S. who had a CBP encounter when they arrived (either caught crossing between ports or processed at a port of entry). This covers many recent border crossers who were released into the U.S. (often with a notice to appear later). It may also include visa overstays who were inspected at an airport on entry.
Parole Program Expirations:
Individuals from certain countries (notably Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) who were let in under the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program, but whose authorized stay has expired or will soon expire.
In fact, DHS proactively emailed over 500,000 such parolees from those four nations urging them to self-deport before they get removed – essentially terminating the prior parole program. These migrants were told they could receive $1,000 if they voluntarily return to their home countries.
Former TPS Holders:
Individuals whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was terminated. (For example, if TPS for a country like Venezuela or Nicaragua was ended by the administration, those who no longer have legal status could opt to depart under this program.)
Criminal background is a disqualifier.
The incentives are offered only to “non-criminal” aliens. DHS will vet applicants through the app, and anyone with serious criminal history likely won’t be approved for the self-deport plan.
This makes sense – authorities wouldn’t want to pay someone with violent felony warrants to fly off freely. Those individuals remain high priority for traditional enforcement. In fact, if a person with a criminal record tries to use the app, they risk alerting ICE to their location. (This is one reason to get legal advice before enrolling – an attorney can assess if applying might put someone in danger of immediate arrest due to past issues.)
Risks and Consequences
For those who do qualify, self-deportation comes with serious legal and personal ramifications. It is not as simple as getting a free ride and coming back later when convenient. Self-deportation does not guarantee the ability to return to the United States legally, and individuals may still face significant barriers to lawful reentry.
Here are key risks to weigh:
Bar on Returning to the U.S.:
Under current law, most undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. unlawfully trigger harsh re-entry bans when they depart. If you accrued over 180 days of unlawful presence, leaving (even voluntarily) makes you inadmissible for 3 years; if it’s over 1 year, you face a 10-year ban on re-entering.
These bars apply regardless of the $1,000 incentive – they are written into the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The Trump administration has vaguely hinted that those who self-deport “may” preserve an opportunity to come back legally someday, but no specific pathway or waiver exists in law or policy to actually allow that.
Immigration experts emphasize that unless U.S. law changes, a person who self-deports after long unlawful presence will not be allowed back for many years, if ever.
In short: don’t count on an easy return. Even President Trump’s own statements have been subjective – saying if “they’re good people…maybe they’ll have a chance to come back the right way.” That “maybe” is no guarantee at all.
Loss of Existing Immigration Options:
Many undocumented individuals actually have legal avenues they could pursue – but by self-deporting, they forfeit those opportunities.
For example, you might be eligible for a family-based green card, asylum or refugee status, Temporary Protected Status, DACA, or other relief.
Once you leave, those options evaporate (and the reentry bar may prevent you from obtaining a visa even if you become eligible).
Some may have a valid path to remain in the U.S. Accepting this offer could mean giving up that chance forever. If you have any pending immigration case – asylum application, appeal, etc. – self-deporting means withdrawing that case.
In fact, DHS has stated it will move to dismiss any pending court proceedings for those who opt in. Translation: you lose your day in court and any chance of relief that might have been granted there. This is why consulting an immigration attorney is critical before making the decision (more on that below).
Unpaid Fines and Penalties:
Under immigration law, people who ignore a final deportation order can be fined up to $1,000 per day for failing to depart. While such massive fines were rarely enforced in the past, the Trump administration has dusted off this tool as a threat.
The DHS self-deportation program actually promises to forgive any civil “failure to depart” fines for those who comply and leave via the appdhs.govdhs.gov. That’s a benefit if you’re one of the few who received such fines. But on the flip side, DHS has made it clear that if you don’t self-deport, you will face these penalties (along with arrest).
“If you don’t [use the app], you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return,” Secretary Noem warned bluntly.
In other words: leave on your own and we’ll cancel the fines; refuse, and we’ll hit you with fines (and possibly a permanent bar). It’s a stark ultimatum.
Risk of Detention or Enforcement During the Process:
DHS says that once a person submits their Intent to Depart and passes vetting, ICE will “temporarily deprioritize” them for arrest.
Practically, this means ICE is supposed to put that individual lower on their target list while the departure is being arranged. This generally should protect participants from raids or detention.
However, this is not an absolute protection.
There is no new law or court order preventing ICE from arresting someone who has a self-deportation request pending – it’s just an internal policy.
Advocates warn that “deprioritized” doesn’t mean “immune.”
Immigration agencies still have broad discretion to detain/removal anyone here unlawfully. Especially if any red flags pop up (e.g. an old warrant or a name mix-up), a person could theoretically be detained even after signaling intent to leave. Detentions may still occur for participants in the self-deportation program if enforcement priorities shift or if ICE increases its focus on interior detentions as part of broader immigration control efforts.
So there is a slight risk one might still get caught in an ICE sweep or encounter a zealous agent despite being in the program (though DHS would likely then just deport them formally – and they’d lose the stipend). This risk is probably low for most, but it exists.
Sharing Personal Data with DHS:
Using the CBP Home app requires providing personal details – name, photo, contact info, biometric data, travel plans, etc.
Essentially, you are voluntarily flagging yourself to DHS as an undocumented immigrant.
This data is entered into government systems. Participants should assume all this information will be accessible to ICE and other agencies. If someone withdraws or fails to depart, that information could later be used to locate and remove them. Privacy-conscious individuals have reason to be wary.
Using the app means submitting your location, travel details, and history: that information could be used in future enforcement actions or shared across federal agencies. In short, you are trusting DHS with your data – which is fine if you go through with departing, but potentially problematic if plans change.
Emotional and Family Impact:
Finally, leaving the U.S. means uprooting your life. For some, it might mean family separation (e.g. parents leaving behind U.S.-citizen children, or deciding whether to take children out of the only country they’ve known).
For others, it’s abandoning jobs, homes, and communities built over years. These human factors are hard to quantify.
Many who consider self-deportation do so in anguish. For example, one undocumented family in North Carolina described staying up all night agonizing over whether to self-deport to El Salvador after Trump took office – they even obtained U.S. passports for their American-born kids “so that if they go back to El Salvador, the kids can eventually return to the U.S.
Such decisions carry heavy emotional weight. And once gone, reintegrating into a country you left long ago can be very challenging, even with a small stipend.
Self-Deportation vs. ICE Detention: Key Differences
To put the choice in perspective, here’s a quick comparison of what happens if you self-deport under the program vs. being arrested and deported by ICE. In both cases, immigration officials are responsible for processing your departure, whether it is voluntary or forced:
| Aspect | Voluntary Self-Deportation (CBP Home Program) | Forced Removal by ICE (Detention & Deportation) |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation | You turn yourself in via the app, on your own timeline (while the program lasts). | ICE finds and arrests you on their schedule (could be a raid or arrest at work/home). |
| Detention | No detention – you remain free while arranging travel (if you pass vetting)dhs.gov. May have time to wrap up personal matters before leaving. | Likely detention – many are held in ICE custody (jail-like facilities) until deported. This could be days or months in an overcrowded center. |
| Travel Logistics | Free travel provided: government pays your one-way flight or transport homevisaserve.comvisaserve.com. You travel as a regular passenger (not in shackles). | Forced removal: ICE escorts you out, often on a charter flight with other detainees. Travel is also paid by government, but you have no control over timing or destination route. You may be restrained during transport. |
| Financial Incentive | $1,000 stipend after confirmed departuredhs.gov. (Plus any reintegration help from home country, if available.) | No incentive – you receive no money. In fact, you could be billed or fined. Unpaid fines might be pursued (up to $1k/day for failure to depart) if they choose. |
| Legal Consequences | No formal “deportation” order on your record if you weren’t already ordered removed. (If in proceedings, DHS will dismiss the case)dhs.gov. However, you still face 3- or 10-year reentry bars for unlawful presence. The program claims you “preserve [an] opportunity” to return legallydhs.gov, but in reality no special reentry program exists. | Deportation order on record – which carries a 10-year ban automatically, and possibly longer bars depending on circumstances. If you reenter illegally after removal, you could face federal felony charges. Future visas are very difficult to obtain. (Legally, the reentry bars often end up similar since unlawful presence triggers them either way.) |
| Ability to Plan/Prepare | Some control: you can coordinate with family, sell belongings, prepare children’s travel documents, etc., within the short window (DHS aims to schedule departure within ~21 days of approval). | No control: you may get little to no time to settle affairs. If arrested, you might be deported within days in a rapid removal, or held with uncertain release timing. Family left behind may not even get to say goodbye if it’s sudden. |
| Treatment | Treated as a departing traveler. “Leave safely, travel normally” is the motto. No public shaming; it’s low profile. | Treated as an enforcement target. Likely handcuffed during transport, possibly publicized (mugshots, etc.). Can be traumatic for families – essentially a jail-to-deportation pipeline. |
| Future Options | Possibly better: Because you left voluntarily, you might avoid some penalties like certain finesdhs.gov. But immigration law still bars your return for years (unless you qualify for a rare waiver). DHS suggests you might have a slightly improved chance at legal reentry if laws change, since you complied. | Worse: Being formally deported can carry stigma and additional legal hurdles. If you try to come back legally, that prior removal must be disclosed and can be a permanent black mark. Also, if you ever reenter unlawfully, you’d face harsher punishment due to the prior order. |
As the table shows, the self-deportation vs ICE detention choice has real trade-offs.
The program is specifically targeted at undocumented migrants, sparing them the ordeal of detention and giving a small financial help, which is significant.
On the other hand, it doesn’t erase the long-term immigration bars – and it requires you to give up on the U.S. for now.
Meanwhile, resisting and staying means living in fear of a knock on the door, and if ICE catches you, you leave with nothing (and possibly a worse record).
It’s a deeply personal decision with both practical and legal dimensions.
Step-by-Step Process
For those who are considering the program, here’s an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide to how the voluntary self-deportation process works.
It’s crucial to follow all steps carefully to ensure you receive the promised assistance and avoid complications:
Figure: Flowchart of the self-deportation process through the CBP Home app (from initial consultation to receiving the stipend).
Consider Your Options & Consult Counsel:
Before committing to self-deportation, talk to an immigration attorney (or accredited legal advisor). This isn’t a formal step DHS requires, but it’s something experts strongly recommend. An attorney can evaluate your case to see if you have alternatives to leaving. They can also explain the consequences specific to you.
This initial reflection is critical – once you proceed further, you’re signaling an intention to depart and things move fast.
Confirm Eligibility:
Ensure that you actually qualify for the program. Are you undocumented with no serious criminal history? Did you enter through the border recently or via a now-expired parole/TPS program? If you have felony convictions or other disqualifiers, the app will likely reject your submission (and it’s risky to attempt in that case).
Also, if you currently have a pending immigration application or court case, be aware it will be dropped if you self-deport.
Double-check these factors, ideally with legal advice, before proceeding.
Download the CBP Home Mobile App:
The CBP Home app is available free on Apple and Android app stores. Download and install it on a smartphone or tablet. This app is the hub for the entire process – you won’t be calling ICE or visiting an office; everything initiates through the app.
Create an Account & Submit an Intent to Depart:
Open CBP Home and create your profile. The app will guide you to the “Intent to Depart” form.
You’ll need to fill in some required information and upload a current “selfie” photo for identity verificationv. Be prepared with details like your full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and contact info.
If you have family members also self-deporting, the app lets you add co-travelers (for example, you can register your spouse or children under one submission).
Important: Make sure all info is accurate and the photo is clear – if not, your submission may be rejected. Once everything is filled out, you submit your Intent to Depart through the app.
DHS Vetting & Approval:
After submission, DHS will review your case. They will check for any criminal warrants, verify you meet the criteria, and ensure your information is legitimate. During this time, if you’re a “non-criminal” and meet the qualifications, ICE will treat you as a low priority for enforcementv.
In practical terms, DHS aims to process and approve requests quickly – often arranging travel within about 21 days of approval. You should stay reachable via the contact info you provided, as officials might call or email you to coordinate details.
If your submission is not approved (say you didn’t qualify or there was an issue), the app will notify you. In that case, you would remain an enforcement priority and should seek other solutions (possibly contacting your consulate for help as DHS suggests).
Travel Arrangements:
Once approved, DHS takes on the logistics of getting you home. You won’t receive cash upfront; instead, the government either books a flight for you or works with you to set a travel itinerary.
They may also assist with getting travel documents – for example, if you lack a valid passport or ID to travel, they can help coordinate with your home country’s embassy to obtain one.
Typically, you’ll be given a plane ticket (or bus ticket for land travel) scheduled on a specific date. Participants have reported that DHS sometimes uses charter flights for groups going to the same countrydhs.gov, or commercial airline tickets in other casesaxios.com.
Either way, the travel is free of charge to you. If you have minor children or other dependents traveling, DHS will include them in the plans as long as you registered them in the app. (Families can travel together; just ensure each minor is listed as a co-traveler and you have any necessary parental consent letters for kids traveling with one parent.)
You are generally responsible for getting yourself to the U.S. departure airport or location on time – DHS isn’t escorting you, since this is voluntary.
However, some participants have been housed or assisted right before the flight if needed (DHS hasn’t detailed this publicly, but news reports of the charter flight noted that volunteers were gathered in Houston for departure).
Depart the United States:
On the scheduled date, board your flight and depart the country. This step is obviously crucial – the stipend is only paid out after you leave and your departure is verified.
If traveling by air or sea, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will automatically record your exit when your flight departs or your ship sails. If traveling by land (e.g., driving or bus to Mexico or Canada), you’ll need to take an extra action: once you’re a few miles beyond the U.S. border, you use the CBP Home app’s “Verify Departure” feature to confirm you crossed out (this involves allowing the app to use your phone’s location and taking another photo to confirm your identity/location).
It’s very important to follow those instructions so that DHS gets proof you truly left; otherwise, you might not get the bonus and could still be considered an overstay. During travel, treat it like a normal trip – keep your passport/ID handy, and comply with airline or border procedures.
Arrival & Confirmation:
Upon arrival in your home country (or whichever country you chose to go to), the CBP Home system or U.S. officials will mark your case as completed. If you flew, CBP likely gets the flight manifest or uses your final check-in scan to note that you departed on X date. The app may show a record of your departure (you can actually view your travel history in the app for peace of mind). If you used the land verification method, then you’ve manually confirmed it as described. One way or another, DHS must confirm that you left the U.S. as agreed.
Receive the $1,000 Stipend (“Exit Bonus”):
After confirmation, DHS will issue your $1,000 payment. The program description doesn’t specify the exact mechanism – presumably, it could be a prepaid debit card, a check mailed to an address abroad, or arranged through the U.S. embassy. DHS did not answer reporters’ questions about how the stipend is paid out, but logically, you might receive instructions via email or the app on how to collect it.
Ensure DHS has your updated contact info and foreign address if needed. This stipend is essentially “thank you” money for complying. Keep in mind it’s a one-time payment. (For context, some returnees have gotten a little extra help from their home governments too – e.g., Honduras gave $100 to each adult in the charter flight group as a local bonus, but that is specific to that country’s initiative.)
Settling Back Home & Future Plans:
With your departure complete, the U.S. government’s involvement ends. You are now back in your country of origin (or another country that agreed to receive you) as a returnee. At this stage, it’s crucial to understand your reentry restrictions. As noted, most self-deporters will have a multi-year bar on returning to the U.S.
If you hope to come back someday, you’ll likely need to spend those years in your home country and possibly pursue a legal visa through channels like family sponsorship (if eligible) or employment.
There is no special visa for self-deportees – you’re basically in line with everyone else, except with the handicap of a prior unlawful stay. Use this time to build a stable life in your country, and if you do seek a U.S. visa in the future, consult an immigration attorney about whether a waiver of inadmissibility is possible given your case.
Also, keep documentation of your self-deportation (proof of your compliance), as it might help demonstrate good faith if laws change and some return program opens up.
Throughout the process, maintain communication. If anything goes wrong – for instance, if you cannot travel on the assigned date due to illness or emergency – immediately inform DHS or the relevant officials. Skipping your flight without notice could void your participation and put you back on ICE’s radar. The CBP Home app likely has support contacts (and the DHS website lists an email: CBPHome@cbp.dhs.gov, for queries).
Remember, until you actually depart, you remain in the U.S. without status, so any significant delay could be dangerous. DHS expects you to depart “within a timely manner” once approved.
This step-by-step overview shows that while the program is relatively straightforward, it’s a formal process with legal weight – not just a quick ticket purchase. Now, having understood the mechanics, let’s turn to why getting legal guidance is so important at the beginning and what to consider before making this life-altering choice.
When to Talk to an Immigration Lawyer (and Why It’s Critical)
Before you decide to self-deport, pause and consult with a qualified immigration lawyer. This cannot be overstated. In fact, even the DHS itself briefly notes that “potential participants should consult with an immigration attorney or legal counsel prior to… self-departure.
A lawyer’s job is to look out for your best interests and rights – which may mean finding an alternative to leaving, or at least fully informing you of what leaving entails for your future.
Advocacy groups like the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition also provide guidance and support to immigrant families facing self-deportation decisions. Esther Reyes, a campaign strategist for the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, has highlighted the ongoing challenges immigrant communities face, including fear, threats of removal, and the impact of immigration policies on families. The perspective of a campaign strategist is crucial in interpreting how immigrant communities perceive enforcement actions and government messaging, ensuring that policy impacts are fully understood.
Talk to a lawyer as early as possible – ideally before you submit anything on the CBP Home app. The moment you signal intent to depart, you set certain wheels in motion (like DHS moving to drop your court case if you have one).
You want to be sure about your decision beforehand. Here are a few scenarios where legal advice is especially vital:
If You Have a Pending Case or Potential Relief:
Are you in immigration court proceedings? Seeking asylum? Married to a U.S. citizen or have U.S. citizen children over 21?
There might be avenues to fight your case or adjust status. Many immigrants don’t realize they qualify for relief. For example, you might be eligible for cancellation of removal (if you’ve been here 10+ years and have qualifying relatives) or perhaps you could reopen an old deportation order.
By self-deporting, you give up these options. An attorney can review your history and tell you if there’s a chance to win legal status.
Some may be eligible for immigration benefits – but they’ll never know unless they speak to a qualified attorney. Don’t self-deport without exploring every legal strategy first. You might discover that enduring the court process is worth it if you have a solid case.
If You Entered Recently or Have Fear of Persecution:
In the rush of enforcement, some individuals who actually have valid asylum claims or fear return are being encouraged to self-deport.
Know that if you have any fear for your safety in your home country, you should NOT withdraw and depart without consulting an attorney. By law, you have the right to seek asylum if you fled persecution.
The self-deportation program does not evaluate asylum claims – it simply treats everyone as “illegal aliens” leaving. So if, for instance, you’re a Venezuelan who fled political repression, a lawyer might advise that you pursue asylum or other protections instead of taking the $1,000 deal.
Some advocates have called the stipend offer “cruel and misleading” because it doesn’t mention that many migrants “would face [barriers] to return to the U.S.” or the dangers they escaped.
Bottom line: Don’t let fear or confusion drive a hasty departure if you have a genuine protection need. Speak with legal counsel about asylum, Temporary Protected Status, or other humanitarian options.
If You Have Prior Violations or Removal Orders:
If you’ve been deported before or have a prior voluntary departure that you overstayed, leaving now could trigger a permanent bar (certain repeat immigration violations lead to a lifetime ban).
Also, if you reentered illegally after a prior deportation, you might have a federal legal issue. An attorney should assess these factors. In some cases, departing voluntarily might still be advisable, but you need to know exactly what penalties you’ll have.
There may be legal filings needed (like requesting permission to withdraw an application or coordinating with ICE on executing an old order). A lawyer can interface with the government to smooth the process and possibly negotiate terms (for instance, to ensure you’re not detained if you have to attend an interview).
If You’re Unsure of the Program’s Terms:
Lawyers stay updated on policy changes. They can explain any nuances in Trump’s voluntary departure program. For example, an attorney can clarify that “deprioritized for removal” is not the same as legal immunity (so you remain cautious).
They can also advise on practical matters: What proof of departure should you keep? How to document the return for future reference? If you have U.S.-born children, how to handle their status? Remember, your U.S. citizen kids have the right to stay in the U.S. – a lawyer can help plan whether they stay with a guardian or go with you and what paperwork is needed in either scenario.
These are complex family decisions that legal and social service professionals can help with.
If You Simply Need Peace of Mind:
Deciding to leave the country you’ve called home is emotionally draining. Having a professional confirm that you’re doing the right thing (or warn you if you’re not) can give you clarity. Lawyers have seen many cases; they can tell you if your situation is hopeless under current law or if there’s a glimmer of a solution.
That perspective is worth it, even if the advice is to go ahead and self-deport. It ensures you won’t later wonder “What if I had talked to someone? Did I make a mistake?”
Beware of Notario Fraud:
In seeking advice, make sure you consult a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative – not an unlicensed advisor or “notario.”
Desperate times are often when scammers prey. Anyone who guarantees you can come back quickly or who charges large upfront fees without a clear plan should be viewed with skepticism. A legitimate lawyer will explain your options (or lack thereof) honestly, even if that means they advise you to self-deport.
They should not pressure you either way, but rather empower you to make an informed choice.
The role of a lawyer if you do self-deport:
If after consultations you decide that voluntary departure is your best (or only) option, an attorney can still assist in practical ways.
They can communicate with ICE or DHS to make sure your removal proceedings are properly closed after you depart (so you don’t get an in-absentia order because some paperwork wasn’t filed).
They can help you obtain certified copies of your immigration records, which might be useful down the line.
And they can advise you on actions to take in your home country – for instance, some might suggest documenting your re-establishment (maintaining ties and a clean record back home) in case immigration laws change and opportunities to return arise.
If the U.S. government later creates a legal reentry program for those who self-deported (as Trump has implied could happen for “good” candidates), having had legal guidance means you’ll be prepared to take advantage of it.
Finally, a lawyer will reinforce what we’ve echoed throughout: self-deportation should not be taken lightly. It can indeed be a solution for some – for example, migrants who have no viable claim to stay and who would rather leave on their own terms than be hunted down.
For those individuals, the program offers a safe passage and a small financial cushion to restart life back home. But for many others, it could amount to giving up rights and uprooting families unnecessarily.
As one immigrant advocate put it, “They’re [the administration] clearly out of touch with the reality that immigrant families face… No one should leave the country without fully understanding their legal options”
Key takeaway:
Always get legal advice – selfdeportation decisions should be informed, not panicked.
In the words of a Connecticut immigration lawyer warning about this $1,000 offer,
“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.”m. That sums up the critical tone advocacy groups are taking.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trump’s 2025 Self-Deportation Program and Incentives
What is Trump’s self-deportation program?It is a federal initiative launched in 2025 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that encourages undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. It offers a small stipend and paid airfare in exchange for giving up the right to fight deportation in immigration court. The program is overseen by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has publicly advocated for self-deportation initiatives as part of broader border enforcement strategies.
Who is eligible for the program?ICE selects individuals based on its enforcement priorities. Eligible individuals may include:
- Illegal aliens with final orders of removal
- Visa overstayers
- Illegal aliens identified through ICE enforcement efforts, including workplace raids
- Individuals flagged in criminal or immigration databases
Who leads the program?The self-deportation initiative is overseen by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Security Secretary Kristi Noem has played a key role in promoting and implementing the program, including announcing financial incentives for illegal migrants to voluntarily leave the U.S.
What incentives are offered?ICE offers:
- One-way paid airfare to your home country
- A $1,000 stipend, typically disbursed only after verified departure
- Avoidance of detention in some cases, depending on your individual circumstances
Is the $1,000 stipend guaranteed?No. The stipend is only paid after ICE confirms you have departed the U.S. It may be disbursed through a U.S. consulate or a third-party agency. You will not receive the funds if you cancel or delay departure.
Can I still return to the U.S. legally after self-deporting?Not easily. If you have accrued more than 180 days or 1 year of unlawful presence in the U.S., you will still be subject to 3-year or 10-year bars to reentry, even if you leave voluntarily under this program. There is no guarantee of future reentry, and no waiver of reentry bars is included in this program. You would still need to apply for a waiver in the future, and approval is uncertain.
Does this program erase my immigration history or record?No. Any prior immigration violations—including unlawful presence, removal orders, or visa overstays—will remain on your record and can affect future immigration or visa applications.
Is this the same as traditional voluntary departure?No. Traditional voluntary departure is granted by an immigration judge with legal safeguards. Trump’s program is a fast-tracked, ICE-administered departure that typically requires participants to waive their right to a hearing, and in many cases, to legal counsel or appeal.
Do I have to give up my immigration court case to participate?Yes. To participate, you must usually agree to waive:
- Your immigration court hearing
- The opportunity to apply for asylum, cancellation of removal, or other relief
- Any pending appeals
What happens if I refuse the offer to self-deport?ICE may place you in detention, fast-track your removal, or prioritize your case for enforcement. Refusing does not make you a criminal, but you may be subject to traditional deportation procedures.
Can I apply for this program on my own?There is no public application. ICE selects participants and contacts them directly. In rare cases, individuals may ask to be considered, but approval is at the agency’s discretion.
Will I be detained while I wait to leave?Possibly. Some participants are released under supervision and given a deadline. Others may be detained until their departure is finalized, especially if ICE considers them a flight risk.
What if I have a pending immigration petition (like an I-130 or U visa)?Participation in the self-deportation program could forfeit your pending petition or future eligibility. Once you leave the country, you may be barred from returning due to unlawful presence, and you may lose your chance to adjust status or apply for relief.
Can I back out after I agree to participate?In most cases, no. Once you sign paperwork waiving your rights and ICE starts processing your departure, it is difficult to reverse course. You may be detained or re-placed into removal proceedings if you withdraw.
Are families with children eligible to self-deport together?In some cases, yes. ICE may offer family departures, especially when children are U.S. citizens. However, this can create complex legal and custody issues. Speak with an attorney before making decisions involving children.
Does participating help my chances of coming back later?No. There is no promise or official policy that your voluntary departure will help you return in the future. Standard inadmissibility bars still apply, and most individuals will still face 3– or 10–year bans from reentry due to prior unlawful presence.
Are people with criminal convictions eligible?Possibly. While serious or violent offenders are usually excluded, individuals with minor convictions (such as traffic violations or misdemeanors) may be included. ICE may view this as a cost-saving method to avoid court and detention.
Are DACA or TPS recipients affected?DACA and TPS holders with valid protection are not targets of this program. However, former DACA or TPS recipients who have lost status may be eligible or targeted for self-deportation, depending on their current immigration situation.
Will ICE continue enforcement while the program is offered?Yes. The program exists alongside aggressive ICE enforcement. If you decline the offer or are not eligible, you may still face detention, workplace or home raids, or expedited removal.
Can I apply for asylum or relief instead?Yes. If you fear persecution, torture, or other harms upon return to your home country, you may apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or CAT protection. You should never waive those rights without consulting an experienced immigration attorney.
Are there risks to accepting this program?Yes. Risks include:
- Permanent separation from family in the U.S.
- Losing access to legal relief or status adjustment
- Facing long-term inadmissibility bars
- No legal guarantee of return
- Possible future policy changes that could harm or complicate your situation
Can I be arrested even if I agreed to self-deport?Yes. If ICE believes you failed to comply or are delaying, you may be detained. There have been instances of individuals being arrested while in the process of departing under this program.
Can advocacy organizations help me?Yes. Groups like the National Immigration Project, ACLU, and local immigration legal aid clinics can provide free or low-cost legal assistance, workshops, or referrals.
Final Thoughts
This self-deportation program may appear to offer a quick exit and minor financial assistance—but in reality, it comes at a steep legal cost. The program does not waive inadmissibility bars, does not guarantee return, and may permanently separate families.
Before you accept, speak with a qualified immigration attorney. You may have options you haven’t been told about—such as asylum, waivers, or family-based relief. A short conversation with a lawyer could change the course of your life.
Do not make this decision alone. Your future in the U.S. may depend on it.
Conclusion
Empower Yourself with Knowledge:
Trump’s self-deportation incentive program is an unprecedented experiment in U.S. immigration policy. It dangles money and a flight in exchange for individuals “choosing” to leave.
If you’re an immigrant considering it, make sure it truly is your choice, made with full awareness of the consequences. Know your rights and don’t act out of fear alone. Speak with a trusted immigration attorney to evaluate your case. If you decide to proceed, follow the steps diligently and take advantage of the support offered (it exists to facilitate a smoother departure).
But if there’s any chance for you to legally stay, or if leaving would put you or your loved ones in harm’s way, think twice and get counsel. The U.S. immigration system is complex, and this new program adds another layer of complexity. With the right guidance, you can determine the best path for you and your family – whether that’s fighting to remain here or accepting the self-deportation stipend and starting anew back home.
Remember:
The choices you make now could affect your ability to return to the U.S. for decades. So equip yourself with knowledge, weigh the self-deportation vs ICE detention scenarios carefully, and make the decision that safeguards your future. In these uncertain times, legal advice is selfdeportation’s best companion. Stay informed and stay safe.
Why You Should Consult Immigration Attorney Richard Herman Before Making Any Decision on Self-Deportation
Deciding whether to participate in Trump’s 2025 self-deportation program is not just a personal decision—it’s a legal one that can have irreversible consequences for your future, your family, and your ability to ever return to the United States. What may seem like a quick exit today could close the door forever on opportunities to legalize your status, reunite with your loved ones, or protect yourself from harm in your home country.
This is where the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney is absolutely essential.
Attorney Richard Herman, founder of the Herman Legal Group, has spent more than 30 years fighting for immigrants across the country. He and his team understand the high stakes of decisions like this, and they are deeply familiar with how ICE, DHS, and immigration courts operate under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Richard has represented individuals in deportation proceedings, secured waivers, reopened cases, and found legal solutions where others saw only dead ends.
Here’s why you should speak with Richard Herman before agreeing to self-deport:
- You may have legal options you didn’t know existed. Many immigrants eligible for self-deportation have viable cases for asylum, cancellation of removal, VAWA, or U visas. Richard and his team will evaluate your full immigration history and identify every possible path to stay.
- You need the truth about the consequences. ICE won’t tell you that leaving under this program may trigger a 10-year reentry bar. Richard will.
- You may be able to fight your case in court. Even if you have a removal order, there may be grounds to reopen your case, suppress evidence, or challenge how ICE obtained information. You need a skilled litigator to find those openings.
- You have a family to protect. Richard will consider the impact on your U.S. citizen children, your spouse, and any relatives who depend on you. He knows how to navigate complex family-based immigration issues and keep families together.
- You need peace of mind. Even if you decide to leave, you should do so with a full understanding of what that means and a strategy in place. Richard Herman will help you leave with dignity and prepare for any chance to return legally in the future.
Don’t take this risk alone.
Before you sign anything or agree to leave the country, call the Herman Legal Group for a confidential consultation. They offer in-person, phone, and Zoom appointments—and they speak your language.
📞 Call 1-800-808-4013
🌐 Visit to book your consult now: https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/
📍 Serving clients nationwide.
Your future matters. Get experienced legal guidance before it’s too late.
