Trump's offer to illegal immigrants: Self-deport and get cash, flight

Migrants residing in the United States without legal status may soon face a stark choice — leave the country voluntarily with some financial support, or stay and risk steep fines and a possible lifetime ban.

US President Donald Trump said on April 15, 2025, that he wants to offer undocumented immigrants a “self-deportation” option under which they would receive a stipend and a plane ticket to return home. The administration, he said, would also consider allowing some of them to re-enter the US legally in future.

“We’re going to give them a stipend. We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we’re going to work with them — if they’re good — if we want them back in, we’re going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can,” Trump said during a taped interview with Fox Noticias.

1. Self-deport with assistance

Immigrants may be offered financial aid and airfare to return home. If they comply, they might have a chance to return to the US through legal routes later.

2. Refuse to leave and face penalties

Those who ignore deportation orders could be fined up to $998 per day and risk permanent inadmissibility to the US.

The proposal comes as Trump attempts to focus deportation efforts on those with criminal records. “Right now we’re getting the murderers out,” he said, but added that others could be encouraged to leave “comfortably”.