Trump Signs Executive Order for Self-Deportation Program
On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching the first-ever self-deportation initiative aimed at encouraging illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily, featuring free flights and cash incentives.
The program, named “Project Homecoming,” offers government-funded flights and financial bonuses to those who choose to self-report. Trump announced the initiative via a video on Truth Social, claiming it would save taxpayers “billions of dollars.”
“We make it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America,” Trump stated. He explained that illegal immigrants could simply show up at the airport to secure flights back to their home countries, allowing them the freedom to choose their destinations.
Additionally, Trump noted that participants in this program would receive a “very important exit bonus,” with Homeland Security revealing that each individual would be granted a $1,000 incentive to depart. The department emphasized that this approach is significantly more cost-effective, estimating it to be 70% cheaper than traditional methods of arrest, detention, and deportation, which typically exceed $17,000 per person.
“This deportation bonus would save US taxpayers billions and billions,” Trump reiterated.
He encouraged illegal immigrants to utilize the existing Homeland Security CBP One app to facilitate their departure. Originally developed to streamline immigration processes, the app was suggested as a means for individuals to voluntarily exit the U.S., replacing earlier features that have since been discontinued.
Trump warned that serious consequences await those who disregard the new orders but suggested that immigrants demonstrating good behavior could have a chance to return, provided they comply with the terms of the newly established program.
“Illegal aliens living in America face significant penalties, including substantial fines, confiscation of property, and possible imprisonment,” he explained. Yet added with a hint of optimism, “So, to all the illegal aliens booking free flights now, we want you to get out of America. But if you’re good, we’ll try to help you come back.”
In a broader context, the White House asserted that this financial incentive will be beneficial for American citizens in the long run, referencing an estimate that illegal immigration could cost taxpayers around $150 billion in 2023 alone.
Trump criticized former President Biden’s immigration policies, stating, “What Biden did to this country can never be explained. It’s never acceptable. Ultimately, when there are no illegals out there, it’s going to save us trillions of dollars.”
