As part of a new tactic to encourage self-deportation, Trump proposes giving illegal migrants a cash “exit bonus” and a free flight home.
Trump signs executive order to launch ‘project homecoming’ aimed at voluntary deportation of undocumented migrants.
Trump self-deportation plan offers ‘exit bonus’
President Donald Trump has unveiled a new “self-deportation program”. Trump offers undocumented immigrants a financial incentive and a free flight to leave the United States.
The initiative, dubbed “Project Homecoming”, was announced via executive order on Friday, May 9.
The plan includes free government-funded flights and an “exit bonus” for migrants who choose to leave voluntarily.
According to the White House, the program’s goal is to reduce illegal immigration while saving taxpayer money on long-term deportation operations.
Migrants using the program are not required to return to their country of origin — they can fly anywhere outside the U.S.
Trump described the move as “historic,” claiming it will lead to significant savings and faster removals of undocumented immigrants.
The administration is now shifting its approach to encourage illegal immigrants to “self-deport voluntarily”
What is project homecoming and how does it work?
The “self-deportation program” gives undocumented migrants two options.
They can either leave voluntarily with government support or face harsh penalties.
Participants will receive
– A free government-funded flight to any country outside the United States.
– A financial “exit bonus” of up to $1,000 upon confirmation of arrival abroad.
Migrants can apply through a new mobile app called CBP Home. The app streamlines the process and includes a virtual concierge service to help with travel logistics.
According to Trump, the program allows individuals to travel to “any country they choose—just not here.”
Trump says deportation bonus will reduce taxpayer burden
In a Truth Social post, Trump promoted the new self-deportation strategy as a cost-saving measure.
He emphasized the financial impact undocumented immigrants have on the U.S. economy.
He wrote: “Today, I signed an Executive Order to launch the first-ever self-deportation program. Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including – sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion. TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT RIGHT NOW!”
In a video, the president explained: “We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America.
“Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country.”
He continued: “We have also launched a phone app called CBP Home, that’s CBP Home, where illegals can book a free flight to any foreign country. As long as it’s not here, you can go anywhere you want.”
Additionally, The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the $1,000 bonus would be distributed once a migrant’s relocation is verified through the CBP Home app.
Undocumented migrants face harsh penalties if they refuse to leave
The executive order outlines severe consequences for migrants who choose not to participate in the program.
Trump warned of:
-Sudden deportation at the government’s discretion.
– Significant jail time.
– Heavy financial penalties.
– Property confiscation and wage garnishment**
He emphasized that staying illegally would result in”“incarceration and forced removal”.
Additionally, Trump urges illegal immigrants to act now or face consequences.
“However, if illegal aliens choose to remain in America, they’re remaining illegally and they will face severe consequences.
“Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties, confiscation of all property, garnishment of all wages, imprisonment and incarceration and sudden deportation in place and manner solely of our discretion.”
“So, to all illegal aliens, book your free flight right now. We want you out of America, but if you’re really good, we’re gonna try and help you get back in,” Trump concluded.