President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating “Project Homecoming,” a program designed to encourage undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States. The initiative offers government-paid flights and a $1,000 “exit bonus” to those willing to self-deport. Migrants can utilize the Department of Homeland Security’s CBP Home app to book flights to any country, excluding the U.S., free of charge. The app also provides airport concierge services to assist in travel arrangements.
President Trump emphasized that remaining in the country would result in severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and forced deportation. The executive order also mandates a communications campaign to inform migrants about the offer and the consequences of non-compliance. Additionally, Trump directed the deputizing of law enforcement officials to aid in a deportation surge set to begin within 60 days.
The CBP Home app, formerly known as CBP One, was repurposed in March 2025 to facilitate this self-deportation process. Initially launched in October 2020 to assist commercial trucking companies and later expanded to include asylum applications, the app now allows undocumented migrants to declare their intent to depart the U.S. voluntarily. Users can submit personal information, including citizenship details and intended destination, to initiate the process.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that self-deporting through the app would give migrants “the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream.” However, she warned that failure to self-deport would lead to deportation and a permanent ban on reentry.
While the administration touts Project Homecoming as a cost-saving measure, aiming to reduce deportation costs by up to 70%, critics argue that it may bypass legal safeguards meant to protect immigrant families. Advocacy groups have expressed concern that undocumented individuals may forgo valid paths to remain in the U.S., such as family-based petitions or asylum, by opting into the program without fully understanding the legal consequences.
The initiative is part of President Trump’s broader immigration policy, which includes increased enforcement and penalties for undocumented migrants. The administration plans to mobilize an additional 20,000 officers to target individuals residing in the country illegally, said Reuters.
As Project Homecoming rolls out, its impact on undocumented communities and the broader immigration system remains to be seen. The program represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing voluntary departure over traditional enforcement methods.
Watch video of Trump’s announcement of the self-deportation program:
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