Trump's $1,000 offer to migrants who self-deport in fresh mass deportation push

06-May-2025

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The Trump administration has announced a new program offering $1,000 to help with travel costs to migrants who choose to leave the United States on their own. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it on May 5.

According to DHS, it costs around $17,000 to arrest, hold, and deport a person who is in the US without legal permission. In comparison, giving a small amount of money and covering travel expenses for voluntary departure is much cheaper.

"If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest," said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement.