Overview

• President Donald Trump has authorized a program encouraging undocumented migrants to self-deport, offering $1,000 and free flights booked via a smartphone app.
• The initiative, formalized through a decree signed on May 9, 2025, aims to reduce deportation costs by up to 70% compared to forced removals.
• Migrants who choose not to leave face harsh sanctions, including sudden deportation, imprisonment, asset seizures, and wage garnishments.
• The U.S. government estimates the average cost of forced deportations at $17,121 per individual, highlighting the program's cost-saving potential.
• The program has sparked significant legal and human rights challenges, with critics questioning its legitimacy and due process implications.