The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed this month the first successful case of voluntary self-deportation under the new program launched in May 2025. The protagonist is a Honduran migrant who, after entering the country irregularly, decided to self-manage his return to Honduras from the city of Chicago, using exclusively the new mobile application CBP Home.
This marks a milestone in U.S. immigration policy, as it represents the first time that a person in an irregular migratory situation has returned to his or her country without being arrested or forcibly deported, but through a completely voluntary, digital and government-subsidized system.
What does this program include?
The voluntary self-deportation program implemented by DHS offers participants:
An economic bonus of $1,000 dollars, delivered upon confirmation of return.
Free airfare to the country of origin.
Assistance with paperwork and documentation.
Protection against detention during the process.
The entire procedure is done from the CBP Home app, available in official stores for iOS and Android.
The user declares his intention to leave the country, requests support and receives precise instructions to coordinate his departure without being detained.
Why is it being promoted by the government?
According to official figures, forcibly deporting a migrant costs an average of $17,121 dollars, considering arrest, detention and processing.
With this new modality, the cost per migrant is reduced by up to 70%, which represents a significant saving for the system.
In addition, it seeks to avoid overcrowding in detention centers and to offer a “humanitarian” alternative to people who wish to voluntarily self-deport.
Are there any legal consequences?
Yes. Although the voluntary self-deportation program allows for an orderly return and offers incentives, it does not erase immigration records.
In fact, if the migrant has lived in the U.S. without authorization for more than one year, he or she could face a 10-year punishment with no possibility of legal re-entry.
Therefore, specialized lawyers recommend consulting with an immigration professional before starting the process.
In some cases, there may be options for regularization or defense in court.
What comes next?
DHS has already reserved additional tickets for individuals interested in the voluntary self-deportation program.
Cases of assisted self-deportation are expected to multiply in the coming months, especially among recently arrived migrants who are unable to settle and regularize their status.
This event marks a milestone in US immigration policy
QueOnnda.com
This approach could become a new standard in the country’s immigration policies.
Particularly in the face of pressure to control entries at the southern border.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.