President Trump has introduced a new initiative aimed at encouraging illegal migrants to leave the United States voluntarily. On Friday, he signed an executive order for a program called "Project Homecoming." This program will provide government-funded flights and financial incentives for those willing to self-deport.
Under this plan, the government will cover the cost of flights for undocumented migrants. They will also receive assistance at airports to help with travel arrangements. Each migrant who chooses to leave will get an "exit bonus" of $1,000. Trump stated that this approach would save American taxpayers a significant amount of money.
In a video shared on social media, Trump emphasized the ease of the program, saying, "Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country." He noted that migrants can use the Department of Homeland Security’s new CBP Home app to book their flights to any country, as long as it is not the U.S.
The executive order also sets a goal for a surge in deportations within the next 60 days. Trump mentioned that the financial incentives could save taxpayers billions and potentially trillions in the long run. He warned those who choose to stay that they could face severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and immediate deportation.
To raise awareness of the Project Homecoming program, Trump has directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to launch a nationwide campaign. This effort will inform illegal migrants about the program and the consequences of remaining in the country.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the fiscal impact of illegal immigration, which the White House estimates cost taxpayers over $150 billion in 2023 alone. By incentivizing voluntary departure, the administration hopes to alleviate this financial burden and redirect resources to American citizens.
Overall, Project Homecoming represents a significant shift in immigration policy, focusing on voluntary departure as a means to manage illegal migration in the U.S.