DHS says the program will save money because it currently costs around $17,000 to arrest, detain and remove an undocumented immigrant.
In an article published by CNBC on May 5, 2025, it is reported that former President Donald Trump, if re-elected, plans to implement a policy through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that would offer a one-time stipend to undocumented immigrants to encourage them to self-deport. The policy aims to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. by providing financial incentives for them to leave voluntarily. The stipend would cover travel costs and provide additional funds to help immigrants resettle in their home countries. Critics argue that this approach is a form of "pay-to-leave" and question its effectiveness and ethical implications, while supporters believe it could be a humane and cost-effective solution to immigration enforcement.