Trump administration offers to pay plane tickets, give stipend to self-deporting immigrants

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) -- The Trump administration on Monday announced it will help pay travel costs by giving up to $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who self-deport.

The Department of Homeland Security called it a "historic opportunity" for those who are not legally in the country to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP Home App.

This app - which used to be the CBP One app to schedule asylum appointments - is now being used for immigrants to self-deport under a program announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in late February.

Officials said a stipend of up to $1,000 in U.S. dollars will be paid to immigrants after their return to their home country has been confirmed via the CBP Home app.

The agency also will help assist travel booking and airline tickets, as well as providing necessary travel documents if those who are self-deporting request it, according to the agency's website.

Those who ask for assistance can expect to deport in about 21 days, the agency said.

DHS estimates that self deportations could save the U.S. government 70% the cost of deporting immigrants who are illegally in the United States. The current average cost to arrest, detain and remove an immigrant is $17,121, the agency said.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers."

Those who chose to voluntarily self-deport in the CBP Home app also will be deprioritized for detention and removal as long as they can prove that they are working and making plans for their departure, the agency said.

"The CBP Home program lets eligible aliens return home as regular travelers—without arrest, detention, or restraints. It’s a safe, orderly alternative that provides assistance and flexibility, not fear," the agency's website says.

Those who select this option must submit their "Intent to Depart" on the app.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.