President Trump Launches Project Homecoming: Voluntary Deportation With Free Flights and Taxpayer Savings
In a bold new move to secure the border and protect American taxpayers, President Donald Trump is rolling out a self-deportation program designed to encourage illegal migrants to leave the United States voluntarily. Dubbed “Project Homecoming,” the initiative offers free flights, logistical support, and even a $1,000 exit bonus to anyone in the country illegally who chooses to return home.
According to administration officials, this approach is both safer for law enforcement and far more cost-effective than traditional deportation methods. Rather than burdening taxpayers with costly detention and legal proceedings, the Trump administration is offering a streamlined exit that puts American interests first.
“We are making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America,” President Trump declared in a video shared on Truth Social. “Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country.”
Through a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mobile tool — the CBP Home app — illegal migrants can now book flights to any foreign destination “as long as it’s not here,” the President explained.
In addition to airfare, migrants who voluntarily leave under the program will receive a $1,000 “exit bonus,” which President Trump said will ultimately save the United States “billions and billions of dollars.”
“Eventually, when the illegals are gone, it will save us trillions of dollars,” the President added. “If you choose not to leave, you will face severe consequences — including fines, jail, and sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion.”
The Trump administration is taking the campaign nationwide. The executive order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to launch a sweeping public awareness effort targeting illegal migrants with information about the new program and the consequences of failing to comply.
To enforce the policy, the order authorizes “deputizing” state and local law enforcement, retired federal officers, and other government personnel to support an aggressive deportation surge for those who refuse to leave voluntarily. That full-scale campaign is set to begin within the next 60 days.
In an interview with Fox News, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin explained the rationale behind the initiative.
“Self-deportation is the safest option not just for law enforcement, but for anyone who is in this country illegally and the most cost-effective option,” McLaughlin told host Kevin Corke.
“It costs around $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport an illegal alien. By comparison, we can send them home with a $1,000 bonus and save taxpayers 70%,” she said.
Corke noted that migrants would also retain the chance to legally reenter the country in the future, a point McLaughlin confirmed.
“Go home now, so you have the possibility of potentially returning the legal and right way,” she said. “If we have to arrest you and deport you, you will never return to this country.”
The program arrives as new data shows the annual fiscal burden of illegal immigration surpasses $150 billion, according to figures cited by the White House. That includes costs related to healthcare, education, housing, and law enforcement.
“By incentivizing voluntary departure, Project Homecoming aims to reduce these costs and restore resources for American citizens,” the administration noted in a statement.
Once again, President Trump is demonstrating that real leadership means putting Americans first — their jobs, their safety, and their tax dollars. Project Homecoming offers a lawful, humane, and fiscally responsible way to reclaim America’s sovereignty — while sending a clear message: the era of open borders is over.