On March 16, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Customs and Border Protection's San Diego field office director Sidney Aki conducted a tour of the San Ysidro Port of Entry in California. This visit coincided with the Trump administration's announcement of a new initiative aimed at undocumented immigrants. The program offers $1,000 stipends and travel assistance to those who voluntarily choose to leave the United States for their home countries.
Secretary Noem emphasized that self-deportation is a practical option for undocumented individuals, labeling it as the safest and most cost-effective method to avoid potential arrests. She noted that the initiative could result in significant savings for taxpayers, estimating that the average cost of arresting, detaining, and removing an undocumented immigrant is approximately $17,121.
The program requires participants to utilize the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's "Home" app, previously used for asylum applications under the Biden administration. Immigrants will receive the stipend only after confirming their arrival in their home country through the app. Additionally, those who engage in the departure program will be deprioritized for detention and removal, provided they show progress in arranging their departure.
DHS has indicated that the program may facilitate future legal immigration opportunities for participants. As of the announcement, the program has reportedly been utilized by at least one individual who returned to Honduras from Chicago. This initiative reflects the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration to address undocumented immigration while also seeking to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with enforcement actions.