In a surprising twist on immigration policy, President Donald Trump announced plans for a new “self-deportation” program that would offer financial incentives to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States.
Speaking in an interview with Fox Noticias’ Rachel Campos-Duffy, Trump revealed that the program would provide stipends and travel support for immigrants willing to exit the country on their own terms.
“We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket,” he said. “If they’re good, if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can.”
The proposal is aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to return to their countries of origin without the need for forced removal.
Trump’s remarks did not include specific details on how much money would be offered or how eligibility would be determined.
A White House spokesperson declined to offer further information beyond Trump’s comments.
The announcement adds a new layer to Trump’s hardline immigration stance, which has included promises of record-high deportations and stricter border enforcement.
However, this stipend-based approach appears to be a softer tactic aimed at reducing the number of people in the country illegally while avoiding legal and logistical challenges that come with mass deportations.
The plan would reportedly work in conjunction with the CBP Home app, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection platform that currently allows immigrants to signal their intent to depart.
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Critics have already questioned whether the plan is realistic or effective, and whether it might incentivize illegal reentry in hopes of financial reward. Immigration advocates are also wary of the ethics and enforcement behind such a program.
Still, the offer of a voluntary exit with the possibility of legal return stands out as an unusual move in Trump’s broader immigration agenda—one that could have significant implications in the lead-up to the 2024 election season.
