Trump Introduces Financial Incentive and Free Flights for Self-Deporting Migrants

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a policy offering financial incentives and complimentary flights to immigrants who choose to self-deport to their home countries. This initiative aims to "expedite the swift departure" of undocumented individuals. The directive was disclosed on Friday as part of a new executive order, ensuring that all flights provided to illegal immigrants who voluntarily and permanently leave the United States will be funded by the Federal Government.

As an added benefit, economic incentives in the form of an "exit bonus" will be granted to each foreign national who decides to leave the country independently. The proclamation states, "To facilitate the quick exit of illegal aliens from the United States and promote the objectives of this proclamation, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with relevant agency heads, will offer economic incentives in the form of an 'exit bonus' to each illegal alien who voluntarily and permanently departs the United States."

Although the specific amount was not detailed, Trump announced this week that $1,000 would be given to each undocumented immigrant willing to voluntarily return to their homeland. The "Homeward Bound Initiative," signed on Friday, also directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a concierge service. Through this service, any foreign national present illegally in the U.S. can arrive at an airport, with or without the appropriate travel documents, book a flight for permanent relocation to another country, and claim the $1,000 exit bonus.

The self-deportation process will be facilitated by the "CBP Home" app, allowing migrants to leave the country swiftly and without hassle. For those opting not to depart, the executive order outlines severe penalties, including expulsion, prosecution, imprisonment, fines, wage garnishment, and confiscation of personal property.

These measures will be strengthened by expanding the Department of Homeland Security's enforcement and deportation force by at least 20,000 agents. The U.S. government argues that over the past four years, the nation has faced a "large-scale invasion" of foreigners entering and remaining illegally, resulting in a "relentless wave of crime, vagrancy, violence, and death" across various communities.

According to the statement, this situation has overwhelmed social services and imposed a significant financial burden on taxpayers, exceeding $150 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. Expenses mentioned include healthcare, food stamps, public housing, emergency services, education, and accommodation, as well as costs related to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.