More than one million illegal immigrants have voluntarily left the United States since President Donald Trump took office in January. The number was confirmed by White House Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller.
Speaking on Fox News, Miller said the figure was based on labor force data. “Looking at labor force data, we believe there’s already been a million self-deportations,” he said.
Miller credited the administration’s immigration policies for encouraging the departures. He said self-deportation offers a better path than facing the consequences of staying in the country.
“If illegal aliens understand the consequences of staying versus the opportunities of leaving, we’re going to see millions and millions more self-deportations,” he said.
Those who remain, he warned, risk sudden arrest and deportation. They also face garnishment of income, loss of property, and possible imprisonment.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced a new policy in June. Illegal immigrants who self-deport can receive a $1,000 stipend and have their fines forgiven.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home,” Noem said in a statement. “If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return.”
The CBP Home App allows migrants to arrange their departure and confirm it with DHS. Once confirmed, the $1,000 payment is issued.
The program has already shown results. One migrant who entered during the Biden administration used the app to book a flight from Chicago to Honduras. More tickets have already been scheduled for the coming weeks.
Miller said migrants who choose to leave now may still be eligible to return legally. “You can go back home, do have the opportunity to apply for legal entry if you wish to do so in the future, and you’re going to get a $1,000 check on your way out,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of where immigrants come from. “It’s not about how you feel about an individual immigrant. It’s about the policy on a systemic scale,” he said.
“If you move the Third World to the First World, eventually we become the Third World. And that’s not good for us. It’s not good for anybody who wants to live here in the future.”
DHS officials say the CBP Home program also cuts costs. Removing a migrant through traditional arrest and deportation costs over $17,000. Self-deportation through the app cuts that figure by about 70%.
The Trump administration has indicated that stricter enforcement will continue. Officials say the goal is to increase voluntary departures and restore order to the immigration system.