Mathias Busekist
It’s here.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping new immigration initiative, signing an executive order on Friday that introduces a self-deportation program called Project Homecoming. The move marks the latest in a string of hardline efforts by the Trump administration aimed at drastically reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
The program offers undocumented migrants the option to leave the country voluntarily in exchange for government-funded flights and a financial incentive. The executive order lays out a clear ultimatum: leave with support and a monetary “exit bonus,” or remain and face “strict enforcement and penalties.”
“Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including — sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT RIGHT NOW!”
The announcement follows increasing legal scrutiny from the Supreme Court over several of the administration’s previous immigration strategies — including attempts to use an 18th-century wartime law to justify mass deportations, the imposition of tariffs on neighboring countries to force cooperation on border control, and efforts to end humanitarian parole for approximately 500,000 people.
Project Homecoming is intended to offer a seemingly more voluntary path — though one framed by escalating pressure. Using a newly launched “CBP Home” mobile app, undocumented migrants can book free flights out of the U.S., regardless of their destination country. A “concierge service” at select airports is being rolled out to assist in the process and ensure migrants receive their financial incentive.
“We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America,” Trump said in a video accompanying the order. “Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country.”
The president added, “We have also launched a phone app called CBP Home… where illegals can book a free flight to any foreign country. As long as it’s not here, you can go anywhere you want.”
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that each participant in the program would receive approximately $1,000 upon confirmation of arrival at their chosen destination. Trump framed the payout as a cost-saving measure: “This deportation bonus will save American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars. Eventually, when the illegals are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars.”
However, for those who refuse the offer to self-deport, Trump issued a stark warning.
“However, if illegal aliens choose to remain in America, they’re remaining illegally and they will face severe consequences,” he said. “Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including significant jail time, enormous financial penalties, confiscation of all property, garnishment of all wages, imprisonment and incarceration and sudden deportation in place and manner solely of our discretion.”