President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order establishing a federally funded self-deportation program. The initiative offers paid flights and a cash incentive to undocumented immigrants who choose to “voluntarily and permanently” leave the United States.
The move, which Trump unveiled in a video posted on Truth Social and the White House website, is being positioned by the former president as a solution to what he described as a “full-scale invasion” of illegal immigration, which he blames for rising crime and violence.
“Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion,” Trump warned. “TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT RIGHT NOW!”
The program includes an “exit bonus” and a $1,000 stipend, which will be disbursed after an individual’s return to their home country is verified through the CBP Home app, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The flights will be arranged and paid for by the federal government, with Trump promising that each participant will receive “a beautiful flight back to where they came from.”
However, Trump also emphasized that the program is not simply an act of generosity. Individuals who refuse to self-deport, he said, could face harsh consequences, including jail time, financial penalties, confiscation of property, and forced deportation.
“As long as it’s not here, you can go anywhere you want,” Trump said in a video message, underscoring the administration’s hardline stance.
The announcement has sparked intense debate, with critics calling the plan coercive and xenophobic, while supporters praise it as a cost-effective and voluntary alternative to forced deportation.
Legal experts and immigration advocates are already questioning the plan’s legality and ethical implications. As Trump ramps up his 2024 campaign, the program appears to be a key part of his renewed focus on immigration, setting the stage for a fierce political battle ahead.
The White House has not yet released details on implementation timelines or eligibility criteria.
