President Trump Unveils 'Project Homecoming': Self-Deportation Program with Incentives for Migrants

On May 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order launching 'Project Homecoming,' a program encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. It offers a $1,000 stipend, free airfare, and logistical support to eligible participants. The initiative aims to reduce deportation costs and is part of a broader immigration strategy. Non-participants face intensified enforcement, including fines and deportation. The program involves the CBP Home app for coordination and has partnered with the UN's International Organization for Migration to assist voluntary returns.

Structure and Objectives of Project Homecoming

Project Homecoming is framed by the Trump administration as a voluntary departure program aimed at reducing the financial and logistical burden of traditional deportation processes. According to the White House, the initiative is expected to cut deportation costs by up to 70% and redirect federal resources toward American citizens.

The program is structured around two primary options for undocumented immigrants: voluntary departure with federal assistance or forced removal with legal and financial penalties. President Trump stated in the official proclamation, “Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including—sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion” Establishing Project Homecoming.

Eligibility and Incentives

To qualify for Project Homecoming, individuals must be residing in the U.S. without legal authorization and must not have a criminal record. Eligible participants will receive:

A $1,000 cash stipend, disbursed after their return is confirmed.
A free one-way airline ticket to any country of their choosing, excluding the United States.
Assistance with travel logistics, including help at airports and access to a new federal app, CBP Home, which replaces the previous CBP One app used during the Biden administration.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the stipend will be paid through the CBP Home app once the individual’s departure is verified. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that cooperation with the program “may help” individuals seeking to re-enter the U.S. legally in the future Trump launches paid self-deportation program to end 'invasion'.

Enforcement Measures for Non-Participants

While the program is voluntary, the administration has made clear that those who do not participate will face strict consequences. These include:

Daily fines of up to $1,000.
Wage garnishment.
Property confiscation.
Imprisonment and deportation.

A nationwide communications campaign has been launched to inform undocumented immigrants of the program and the consequences of non-compliance. The campaign includes digital outreach, public service announcements, and coordination with local law enforcement.

Additionally, the executive order authorizes the deployment of 20,000 new immigration enforcement officers and the deputization of state and local law enforcement to assist in removals. The White House has described this as a “full-scale, aggressive deportation surge” set to begin within 60 days Trump offers illegal migrants an ‘exit bonus’ — and ‘free flight out of our country’ — via self-deport executive order.

Role of Technology and International Partners

The CBP Home app is central to the program’s implementation. It allows users to register for voluntary departure, schedule flights, and track the status of their stipend. The app also serves as a potential pathway for future legal re-entry, according to DHS officials.

In an unexpected move, the Trump administration has partnered with the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the voluntary return process. The IOM clarified that it does not participate in deportations but will assist individuals who have given informed consent to return to their countries of origin UN agency partners with Trump admin to help migrants who self-deport.

Government Rationale and Fiscal Justification

The administration argues that Project Homecoming is a fiscally responsible alternative to traditional deportation. According to the White House, undocumented immigrants cost U.S. taxpayers over $150 billion annually in services such as healthcare, education, and emergency aid. By incentivizing voluntary departure, the administration claims it can significantly reduce these expenditures.

“This deportation bonus will save American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars,” President Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social. “Eventually, when the illegals are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars” ‘Book Your Free Flight Now!’: Trump Peddles ‘Self-Deportation’ Program.

Implementation and Early Participation

The DHS has reported that over 1,000 individuals have already signed up for information about the program. One migrant from Chicago has reportedly returned to Honduras through the initiative, with more departures expected in the coming weeks Trump self-deportation immigrants.

The administration has also made provisions for individuals lacking valid travel documents. Government agencies are tasked with facilitating travel arrangements and providing necessary documentation to ensure smooth departures Trump offers illegal migrants exit bonus, free flight out of US via self-deport executive order.

Official Statements

In his proclamation, President Trump stated, “As President, it is my legal obligation to exercise all tools at my disposal to end this invasion, remove the illegal-alien invaders from the United States, and protect the American people” Establishing Project Homecoming.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed this sentiment, warning, “Over 100,000 illegal aliens have been arrested. And if you’re here illegally, you’re next. You’ll be fined nearly $1,000 a day, imprisoned, and deported. You will never return. But if you register using our CBP Home app and you leave now, you could come back legally” UN agency partners with Trump admin to help migrants who self-deport.

President Trump Unveils 'Project Homecoming': Self-Deportation Program with Incentives for Migrants

Key Updates