In a striking new policy move aimed at reducing deportation costs and easing the burden on taxpayers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will now offer free flights and financial incentives to illegal immigrants who voluntarily choose to leave the United States.
Reported by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, the plan allows migrants who are unlawfully present in the U.S. to register via the CBP Home App and schedule their self-removal. Once they exit the country, they will receive a $1,000 stipend as a parting incentive.
Massive Taxpayer Savings
According to DHS figures shared with Fox News, the average cost of a full government-initiated deportation — including detainment, processing, and transportation — exceeds $17,000. By contrast, the new self-deportation package, including the commercial flight and cash payout, totals just $4,500. That represents a 70% savings per case — roughly $12,500 — not including the long-term costs of subsidized healthcare, housing, and education for illegal immigrant families.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller emphasized that once these long-term benefits are factored in, the savings to taxpayers per family could climb to $1 million.
Noem Speaks Out
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, in a statement to Fox News, explained the logic behind the initiative.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” Noem said. “DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.”
She emphasized the public safety component, noting that voluntary exits reduce confrontational encounters with law enforcement and streamline the immigration system.
“This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens, and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers,” she added. “Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”
Reentry Conditions
Migrants who choose to self-deport through this new program will reportedly be eligible to return to the U.S. in the future, but only through proper legal immigration channels. DHS officials claim this policy respects both national security and human dignity while discouraging illegal entry.
Conclusion
As border security remains a hot-button issue and deportation backlogs pile up, the DHS’s new policy reflects a sharp pivot toward fiscal pragmatism. Whether it will significantly curb illegal immigration or spark controversy remains to be seen — but it has certainly changed the conversation.
