President Donald Trump is preparing to implement a “self-deportation” plan for anyone in the U.S. illegally that will include a “free flight” to their home country and a cash stipend.
Administration officials say the program is not only much more cost-effective for taxpayers, but far safer for federal immigration enforcement officers and their state law enforcement partners.
The initiative, known as “Project Homecoming,” directs government agencies to assist migrants lacking travel documents by arranging flights “at no cost to illegal aliens,” offering concierge-style support at airports to help with travel logistics, and providing an “exit bonus” as an incentive for voluntarily leaving the United States, the New York Post reported.
“We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America,” Trump said in a video posted on Truth Social.
“Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country,” he added.
The president noted that through the Department of Homeland Security’s new CBP Home app, “illegals can book a free flight to any foreign country.”
“As long as it’s not here, you can go anywhere you want,” he declared.
The “exit bonus,” which DHS said earlier in the week would amount to $1,000 per migrant, “will save American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars,” Trump said.
“Eventually, when the illegals are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars,” Trump continued, warning that anyone illegally in the country who chooses not to leave voluntarily will face “severe consequences,” including stiff fines, jail time and “sudden deportation in a place and manner solely of our discretion.
“We want you out of America,” the president declared, before claiming, “If you’re really good, we’re going to try and help you get back in.”
Trump’s order instructs Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign to inform illegal migrants about the Project Homecoming program and the consequences of failing to leave voluntarily.
The order also calls for the “deputizing” of state and local law enforcement, former federal officers, and personnel from other federal agencies to support an “intensive campaign” aimed at deporting illegal migrants who refuse to self-deport.
The effort, described by the White House as a “full-scale, aggressive deportation surge,” is slated to begin within the next 60 days, according to the administration.
In an interview with Fox News over the weekend, Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, further explained the new program.
“Executive orders encouraging self-deportation. What’s the latest with that and how effective do you think that will be?” host Kevin Corke asked.
“I think it will be incredibly effective. Self-deportation is the safest option not just for law enforcement, but for anyone who is in this country illegally and the most cost-effective option,” McLaughlin said.
“It costs around $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport an illegal alien. And to get people home we’re giving them $1,000 as well as pay for their flight and save U.S. taxpayers about 70%. It’s going to be safer for law enforcement. So we continue to encourage illegal aliens, go home now, so you have the possibility of potentially returning the legal and right way, coming back to live the American dream. If we have to arrest you and deport you, you will never return to this country,” she explained.
Corke responded: “I think you hit the nail on the head there. You have the chance to come back.”
“Yes,” McLaughlin said.
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In 2023, the fiscal burden of illegal migrants was estimated to cost taxpayers over $150 billion, according to the White House.
“By incentivizing voluntary departure, Project Homecoming aims to reduce these costs and restore resources for American citizens,” the Trump administration noted in a statement.
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