Self-deporting Facts And Consequences

By Author: Berd & Klauss, PLLC
Total Articles: 11
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The Trump administration has introduced a new self-deportation program that offers undocumented immigrants a $1,000 stipend and covers travel costs if they agree to leave the US voluntarily. Participants must waive their right to due process and use the CBP One app to arrange their departure.

Supporters claim it could reduce government spending and ease the burden on immigration agencies, but legal experts warn that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Deportation attorneys in New York have raised serious concerns about the program, as accepting the offer could mean giving up a valid opportunity to stay in the US legally.
Before making any decision, speak with a trusted deportation attorney in New York who can explain your rights and help you explore your legal options.

Understanding self-deportation

If you’re an undocumented immigrant and use the CBP Home App to voluntarily leave the US, you’ll get financial support and travel coverage from the Department of Homeland Security. Previously known as CBP One under the Biden administration, the app has now been repurposed as a self-removal ...
... tool.

By using the app, you'll be classified as a lower priority for detention or removal, making it less likely that immigration enforcement will intervene. DHS promotes the program as a cost-saving measure, noting that formal deportation through arrest and removal can cost more than $17,000 per person.

Why self-deportation?

The administration is offering financial incentives to encourage voluntary departures instead of expanding detention facilities because it aims to free up immigration enforcement resources. Instead of expanding costly infrastructure, it’s shifting the burden onto individuals—encouraging them to remove themselves from the country.

This shift also highlights how government technology is being repurposed. The CBP One app that was originally used to help migrants schedule lawful entry appointments has now evolved into CBP Home — a tool designed to manage and track self-deportation.

Don’t self-deport without seeking legal advice

From the beginning of his political career, Donald Trump made immigration enforcement a central campaign promise. His 2024 platform focused heavily on mass deportations and tougher immigration laws. Now, early into his second term, those promises are becoming active policy.

These policy shifts reflect a hardline approach that, in many cases, uses fear and uncertainty to pressure undocumented immigrants into leaving—even when it means separating families. But what many people don’t realize is that they may already qualify for legal immigration benefits through family relationships, employment, or humanitarian protections. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a knowledgeable deportation attorney in New York to understand your rights before making any life-altering decisions.

Taking $1,000 to leave the country might seem like a simple way to avoid legal trouble, but for most people, it’s a one-way exit with no path back. It could mean walking away from a life built over years — with no legal recourse. Choosing to leave without due process undermines fairness, especially for those who have lived responsibly and contributed to their communities.

At Berd & Klauss, PLLC, we believe that every immigrant deserves a chance to present their case and be treated fairly under the law. If you are undocumented and considering this option, speak with our deportation attorney in New York before making any decision.

The consequences of self-deportation

• You could lose the ability to return - While there has been talk of possible reentry for those who self-deport, the current policy does not include any legal guarantee or official pathway to return. Once you leave, the law offers no special protection or priority for your return in the future.

• You may trigger a reentry bar - If you’ve been in the US without legal status for more than 180 days, leaving the country—voluntarily or otherwise—can result in a 3-year or 10-year bar on reentry. That means even if you qualify for a visa later, your past departure could prevent you from coming back.

• Your data will be collected and shared - By using the CBP Home app, you agree to provide personal information — such as your immigration history and location — to DHS. Federal agencies may store and share your data and use it for future enforcement actions.

• You might still face detention - Although DHS says self-deportation applicants are “deprioritized” for removal, there’s no legal protection from arrest. Immigration officers still have full discretion to detain individuals at any point during the process.

Take the right step forward

Self-deportation carries serious consequences and should never be taken lightly. Before making a decision that could affect the rest of your life, we encourage you to speak with a trusted legal professional.
Call 212-461-7152 or email info@berdklauss.com to schedule a confidential consultation with a deportation attorney in New York. At Berd & Klauss, we’re here to protect your rights and guide you through every step.

Patrick Klauss, Esq., is an immigration attorney and partner at Berd & Klauss, PLLC, who specializes in all aspects of immigration law, from visas to deportation and waivers. Berd & Klauss, PLLC is a boutique, full-service immigration firm in New York dedicated to helping companies and individuals secure immigration benefits in the United States.