Washington, May 6 – In a move aimed at reducing mass deportation costs, the Donald Trump administration has announced a new initiative offering financial and travel support to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily agree to leave the United States. As per agency report, the program will provide a $1,000 stipend and cover travel expenses for those who use the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) One app to coordinate their return to their home countries.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement confirming the launch of this initiative, calling it a historic opportunity for undocumented migrants to receive assistance in facilitating voluntary departure. The stipend will be paid once the individual’s return is confirmed via the app.
Despite the upfront cost of the stipend, DHS estimates the voluntary departure program could reduce deportation-related expenses by approximately 70 percent. Currently, the average cost of apprehending, detaining, and removing an undocumented immigrant is estimated at $17,121.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the practicality of the program, stating that for individuals residing illegally in the U.S., voluntary departure is the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective option to avoid arrest and formal deportation proceedings.
President Donald Trump recently addressed the issue at a rally in Michigan, touting stricter immigration enforcement and increased deportations as key achievements of his administration’s early tenure. He asserted that the first 100 days of his term were among the most successful in American presidential history.
However, a recent analysis by the Brookings Institution suggested that despite tough rhetoric, the administration has fallen short in achieving its deportation targets. The report notes that while actual deportation numbers remain modest, the psychological and societal impact of the administration’s enforcement approach is significant.
Senior Fellow Darrell West of Brookings expressed concerns over the broader implications of such policies. Speaking to Xinhua News Agency, he remarked that while immigration remains a politically potent issue, public sentiment often opposes harsh deportation measures that bypass due process. He warned that such strategies could undermine trust in the system and exacerbate social tensions.
The policy continues to fuel debate on immigration enforcement in the lead-up to the next U.S. election, as lawmakers and human rights advocates weigh the cost-effectiveness of voluntary programs against the human consequences of forced removals.
