$1,000 Self‑Deportation Program: How Trump’s Voluntary Departure Incentive Works

The new “Voluntary Self‑Deportation Stipend” was announced by DHS and endorsed by President Trump on May 5.
Migrants who depart through the CBP Home app receive a one‑time US$1,000 payment after officials confirm their exit.
DHS will also fund basic airfare or bus tickets to the applicant’s home country.

Key Features 

• Fast‑track approval in as little as 10 days.
• No formal removal order, avoiding a 10‑year re‑entry bar common in standard deportations.
• Possible future visa eligibility, which officials say remains “case‑by‑case”.

Who Qualifies? 

• Undocumented migrants without serious criminal convictions.
• Must download and register on CBP Home.
• Sign a waiver acknowledging they will forfeit pending asylum or green‑card petitions.

Why Is the Administration Paying People to Leave?

• The White House frames the stipend as cheaper than detention or forced removal, which cost about US $10,900 per person on average.
• The plan dovetails with House Republicans’ push to deport one million people annually and expand detention beds to 100 k.
• Policy analysts say it aligns closely with the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” blueprint for shrinking the federal bureaucracy and tightening immigration controls.

Economic & Social Impact

Impact Area	Short‑Term Effect	Long‑Term Concern
Impact Area Labor market	Short‑Term Effect Fewer low‑wage workers in agriculture, construction, hospitality	Long‑Term Concern Potential 4–6 % hit to GDP if mass departures accelerate
Impact Area Federal budget	Short‑Term Effect Lower detention costs but new outlays for stipends	Long‑Term Concern Loss of US $76 bn in annual tax revenue from undocumented households
Impact Area Local communities	Short‑Term Effect Reduced school enrollment and consumer spending	Long‑Term Concern “Brain drain” as mixed‑status families relocate abroad

Legal Risks & Expert Warnings 

• Waiver pitfalls: Accepting the stipend may void future asylum, U‑visa or VAWA petitions.
• Due‑process concerns: Civil‑rights groups say the rush to sign up migrants undermines access to counsel and immigration courts.
• Voluntary departure deadlines: Missing the flight window can trigger an automatic removal order and 10‑year bar.

How to Decide: A Practical Checklist 

1. Review pending cases – asylum, work permits, family petitions.
2. Consult an accredited attorney before signing the DHS waiver.
3. Calculate true costs (selling belongings, resettling).
4. Verify travel logistics in the CBP Home app.
5. Document everything—screenshots, receipts—for future reference.

Conclusion

The $1,000 self‑deportation program marks a seismic shift in U.S. immigration enforcement—blending financial carrots with long‑standing sticks. While the stipend may appeal to some migrants seeking a dignified exit, legal experts caution that hasty decisions can close the door on future U.S. dreams. Stay informed, seek qualified counsel, and weigh every consequence before tapping “Accept” in the CBP Home app.