DHS Rolls Out New Campaign Encouraging Illegal Immigrants to Leave Voluntarily
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A controversial new immigration initiative is making waves as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) promotes a nationwide effort to reduce the population of illegal aliens—without direct enforcement.
At the center of the campaign: the CBP Home App.
A Quiet Departure… With a Paycheck?
The program, announced Tuesday by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, targets illegal immigrants already living in the U.S., offering them a chance to leave on their own terms. If they comply, they’ll receive a free flight home and up to $1,000 in financial aid.
Even more surprising? They may still qualify to return legally later—something not possible for those forcibly deported.
“Leave Now or Be Banned Forever”
“If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return,” Noem warned in a statement, calling this “a final opportunity” for voluntary action.
The initiative, backed by a digital ad campaign in multiple languages, will appear across social media, mobile apps, and community outreach networks. It’s aimed squarely at maximizing awareness without expanding physical enforcement.
Incentives First, Enforcement Later
According to DHS officials, those who ignore the program will face fines, detention, forced removal—and be permanently barred from entering the U.S. again.
The CBP Home App, originally launched during Trump’s first term, was expanded earlier this year to include additional features. This is the first time DHS has tied financial rewards to self-removal.
Internal Numbers Already Climbing
DHS estimates that tens of thousands have used previous versions of the program. Outside research suggests the number may already be nearing 1 million.
Mexico alone has confirmed over 56,000 voluntary returns in recent years, a figure expected to surge with this latest rollout.
No New Laws Required
The program operates under existing immigration laws and requires no new congressional approval. DHS says updated stats on self-deportations will be released by the end of the quarter.
For now, DHS, ICE, and CBP remain aligned on a common mission: reduce the illegal population, restore legal process, and offer one last chance to leave peacefully.
https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1950312406464254245
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
