Trump authorizes executive order granting "exit incentives" to undocumented immigrants, launching the first-ever voluntary self-deportation program
Rewritten Article:
#### Trump Introduces Unprecedented Self-Deportation Program for Undocumented Immigrants
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump announced the creation of a self-deportation program on Friday, incentivizing undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country with free flights and a cash bonus.
The initiative, named "Project Homecoming," provides government-funded air travel and monetary incentives to those who choose to leave the U.S., dubbed as the "exit bonus."
According to the executive order, undocumented immigrants can simply show up at an airport and secure a complimentary ticket out of the country, as well as a substantial cash reward[1][2].
Trump revealed the signing of the order in a video post on Truth Social, promising that this program will save taxpayers "astronomical amounts of money."
Unveiling Project Homecoming, Trump stated, "We're making it undeniably easy for undocumented immigrants to bid America a fond farewell." He continued, "Anyone who's here unlawfully can visit their nearest airport and hop on a free flight to nearly anywhere in the world, provided it's not here"[1].
The Department of Homeland Security reported that, on average, it costs over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport an individual[1][3]. In comparison, the total cost for self-deportation, including the $1,000 stipend and travel expenses, is expected to be only a fraction of that amount[1][5].
To streamline the process, Trump advises undocumented immigrants to use the CBP One app to arrange their departures. Initially launched during the Biden administration, the app was previously utilized to facilitate appointments at official ports of entry. Since Trump's inauguration, however, the app's purpose has shifted to encourage self-deportation and notify some migrants that their legal status has been revoked[1][4].
Trump warns that those who refuse to comply with the order may face severe consequences, including imprisonment and deportation. However, he notes that those who have behaved well in the U.S. may have the opportunity to re-enter if they follow the rules of the new program[1].
The White House contends that this financial aid will benefit taxpayers in the long run, as they estimate that undocumented immigrants cost the U.S. over $150 billion in FY 2023 alone[2].
"Our nation has unwittingly become an inviting ground for foreigners who choose to remain illegally, leading to a surge in crime, homlessness, violence, and fatalities," the White House stated in a press release[2].
Trump also took a swipe at former President Biden, criticizing his administration's record-breaking number of border crossers during his tenure[2].
"What Biden has done to this nation is beyond explanation. It will never be accepted, and finally, when the undocumented migrants are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars," Trump emphasized[2].
Mike Dorgan is a writer for our website Digital and Fox Business. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.
[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/selfdeport/ [2] https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/docs/operation-migration-closure.pdf [3] https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-18-728 [4] https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/downloads/cbp-one-app [5] https://www.dhs.gov/legal-resources
- President Donald Trump's new self-deportation program, Project Homecoming, offers undocumented immigrants free flights and cash incentives to leave the country, aiming to save taxpayers significant amounts of money.
- The Department of Homeland Security reported that the traditional method of detaining and deporting an individual costs over $17,000, contrasting sharply with the expected reduced cost of self-deportation.
- The White House believes that offering financial aid for self-deportation will help reduce the estimated $150 billion cost for undocumented immigrants in FY 2023, a major part of the ongoing politics and general news.
- Trump's self-deportation policy is part of his ongoing discussions on policy-and-legislation, following his criticism of former President Biden's border management and rising costs for undocumented immigration.
