Trump’s new immigration strategy offers $1,000 for those who choose to leave—here’s how it works
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There’s been a lot of debate in recent years over how to best manage immigration in the United States.
From changing border policies to the use of new technology, approaches have shifted depending on who’s in office.
Now, the Trump administration is trying something different: offering financial assistance to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries.
The idea is part of a broader effort to reduce deportation costs and ease pressure on enforcement agencies.
While some are calling it a more humane alternative to traditional removals, others are raising questions about its long-term impact—and whether it places unfair pressure on vulnerable communities.
Here’s a closer look at what the program involves, how it works, and what experts are saying.
How the CBP Home app works
At the center of this program is a mobile app called CBP Home.
It allows undocumented immigrants to report their intent to leave the US voluntarily—and offers a $1,000 stipend for doing so.
Once an individual submits their documents, photo ID, and location, the app verifies their departure and processes payment.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), those who take part are also deprioritized for detention while they make their travel plans.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said this self-deportation method is “the safest, most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
The agency also stated that using the app to self-deport “may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future,” a message that aligns with the key themes promoted in Noem’s advertisements.
Deporting someone can cost over $17,000 in government resources—making this app-based process nearly 70% less expensive.
Where the program stands now
The CBP Home app was revamped earlier this year and has gained some traction.
Also read: Is your city next? How Trump’s shocking legal move could affect you
A different take on older tech
If the name sounds familiar, it might be because it builds off the earlier CBP One app introduced during the Biden administration.
That app helped migrants apply for legal entry and asylum.
This new version focuses on those already in the US without legal status and offering them a path to exit voluntarily.
Supporters argue it’s a way to reduce enforcement spending and avoid the trauma of forced removals.
Others are more cautious, noting that participation doesn’t guarantee any legal benefit in the future.
What critics are saying
Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst with the US Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, emphasized the uncertainty behind the government’s language.
“The operative word in that quote from the secretary is ‘may,’” she told NBC News in March, noting there are no firm guarantees of legal reentry for those who self-deport.
Heidi Altman, vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center, also expressed concern in a March statement to NBC News.
She cautioned that “for many people who leave the United States, there may never be a lawful option for return to the United States, or reentry may be barred for many years.”
There are also concerns that a $1,000 stipend may not be enough to motivate people to give up their homes, jobs, or communities in the US.
Also read: In a new US policy, nearly 100,000 migrants will receive cash from the government. But why?
Why it’s happening now
This policy is emerging at a politically sensitive time.
Despite campaign promises to ramp up deportations, President Trump’s actual removal numbers haven’t shifted much during his first 100 days in office.
With budget constraints and little movement in Congress, the administration may see this as a more feasible—and visible—way to take action on immigration.
What could happen next
As with many pilot programs, this one raises important questions:
Only time will tell how many people take part—and whether this becomes a long-term shift in US immigration policy.
Read next: Residency for sale? Trump’s “gold card” plan sparks debate
Many of our readers have followed immigration issues closely for decades. We know your experiences and opinions bring valuable perspective to these discussions. Do you think this program is fair or flawed? Is this a smart use of government resources? What would you like to see done differently? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
From changing border policies to the use of new technology, approaches have shifted depending on who’s in office.
Now, the Trump administration is trying something different: offering financial assistance to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries.
The idea is part of a broader effort to reduce deportation costs and ease pressure on enforcement agencies.
While some are calling it a more humane alternative to traditional removals, others are raising questions about its long-term impact—and whether it places unfair pressure on vulnerable communities.
Here’s a closer look at what the program involves, how it works, and what experts are saying.
The new CBP Home app aims to reduce enforcement costs by encouraging voluntary departures. Image Source: YouTube / New York Post.
How the CBP Home app works
At the center of this program is a mobile app called CBP Home.
It allows undocumented immigrants to report their intent to leave the US voluntarily—and offers a $1,000 stipend for doing so.
Once an individual submits their documents, photo ID, and location, the app verifies their departure and processes payment.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), those who take part are also deprioritized for detention while they make their travel plans.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said this self-deportation method is “the safest, most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
The agency also stated that using the app to self-deport “may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future,” a message that aligns with the key themes promoted in Noem’s advertisements.
Deporting someone can cost over $17,000 in government resources—making this app-based process nearly 70% less expensive.
Where the program stands now
The CBP Home app was revamped earlier this year and has gained some traction.
- Around 300,000 people have downloaded the app in 2025 so far
- About 1,500 new downloads are happening daily
- At least 5,000 people have used it to begin the self-deportation process
- $200 million has been invested into updating the app and launching a national awareness campaign
Also read: Is your city next? How Trump’s shocking legal move could affect you
A different take on older tech
If the name sounds familiar, it might be because it builds off the earlier CBP One app introduced during the Biden administration.
That app helped migrants apply for legal entry and asylum.
This new version focuses on those already in the US without legal status and offering them a path to exit voluntarily.
Supporters argue it’s a way to reduce enforcement spending and avoid the trauma of forced removals.
Others are more cautious, noting that participation doesn’t guarantee any legal benefit in the future.
What critics are saying
Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst with the US Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, emphasized the uncertainty behind the government’s language.
“The operative word in that quote from the secretary is ‘may,’” she told NBC News in March, noting there are no firm guarantees of legal reentry for those who self-deport.
Heidi Altman, vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center, also expressed concern in a March statement to NBC News.
She cautioned that “for many people who leave the United States, there may never be a lawful option for return to the United States, or reentry may be barred for many years.”
There are also concerns that a $1,000 stipend may not be enough to motivate people to give up their homes, jobs, or communities in the US.
Also read: In a new US policy, nearly 100,000 migrants will receive cash from the government. But why?
Why it’s happening now
This policy is emerging at a politically sensitive time.
Despite campaign promises to ramp up deportations, President Trump’s actual removal numbers haven’t shifted much during his first 100 days in office.
With budget constraints and little movement in Congress, the administration may see this as a more feasible—and visible—way to take action on immigration.
What could happen next
As with many pilot programs, this one raises important questions:
- Could other countries try similar incentive-based approaches?
- Will this model expand under future US administrations?
- How will families and communities be affected by these changes?
Only time will tell how many people take part—and whether this becomes a long-term shift in US immigration policy.
Read next: Residency for sale? Trump’s “gold card” plan sparks debate
Many of our readers have followed immigration issues closely for decades. We know your experiences and opinions bring valuable perspective to these discussions. Do you think this program is fair or flawed? Is this a smart use of government resources? What would you like to see done differently? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
