The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched a new chapter in immigration policy with the inaugural charter flight under “Project Homecoming,” a voluntary self-deportation initiative.
On Monday, a flight departed Houston carrying 64 illegal aliens who chose to return to their home countries—38 to Honduras and 26 to Colombia—using the newly introduced CBP Home App.
Project Homecoming is designed to incentivize voluntary departure for illegal aliens residing in the United States. Participants apply through the CBP Home App, a digital platform developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to initiate the self-deportation process.
Once approved, individuals receive:
- Free travel assistance, including a charter flight home
- A $1,000 stipend, disbursed upon arrival in their home country
- The possibility to apply for legal entry to the U.S. in the future, preserving their chance for lawful return
This approach is positioned as an alternative to traditional enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), offering what DHS describes as a dignified and orderly way for illegal aliens to leave the country.
The first Project Homecoming flight included families and children.
Upon arrival, the returnees received additional support from their home governments. In Honduras, the “Hermano, Hermana, Vuelve a Casa” program provided a $100 bonus for adults, food vouchers, and employment assistance. In Colombia, social services were offered by the Family Welfare Institute and the Department of Social Prosperity.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the voluntary nature of the program and its benefits: “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home.”
Noem warned that “If you don’t [leave voluntarily], you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way.”
The Trump administration has argued that self-deportation programs like Project Homecoming reduce the costs associated with forced deportations, which can average more than $17,000 per case.
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