The Trump administration’s self-deportation initiative has led to an estimated 1 million foreign-born individuals voluntarily leaving the United States.
Launched in May 2025, the program offers financial incentives, including a \$1,000 stipend and free airfare, to undocumented immigrants who choose to leave the country through the CBP Home app.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that the first participant returned to Honduras, and additional flights have been booked for others seeking to utilize the program.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has described this initiative as the “best, safest, and most cost-effective” way for individuals to depart the U.S. voluntarily.
While the program aims to reduce the unauthorized population without resorting to traditional deportation methods, it has faced significant criticism.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association has argued that the government’s advertising campaign is “misleading and unethical,” pointing to discrepancies between the program’s promises and immigration law realities.
Economists have warned that the departure of a significant number of immigrant workers could negatively affect industries like agriculture and construction, which rely heavily on this labor force.
The Dallas Federal Reserve predicts that even a moderate reduction in unauthorized immigration could decrease the U.S. GDP by 0.8 percentage points, with mass deportation potentially cutting it by 1.5 percentage points by 2027.
As the program continues, its long-term impact on the labor market and the broader economy remains a point of active debate and concern.