The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revised its voluntary self-deportation programme, offering undocumented immigrants financial incentives and lifting civil penalties for those who choose to leave the country willingly. The changes come as President Donald Trump intensifies his “America First” policy, aimed at reducing the number of undocumented migrants living in the US.
Initially announced in March 2025, the programme was met with scepticism from immigrant rights advocates, who argued that it could be used to pressure vulnerable groups into leaving. However, recent updates on the DHS website indicate significant adjustments, including an exit bonus worth approximately KSh 129,000 for participants. The department said the new approach is intended to streamline departures while reducing the financial burden on migrants who choose to comply voluntarily.
To access the programme, applicants must submit their details through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mobile app. Required information includes a full name, current residence, and a recent photograph. Once verified, eligible individuals may receive the incentive upon departure. DHS further warned that undocumented immigrants who ignore the offer will face detention, forced removal, and a permanent ban from re-entering the United States.
Geopolitical economist Aly-Khan Satchu noted that the development reflects Trump’s broader foreign policy strategy, which prioritises domestic interests and strict immigration controls. According to Satchu, the policy could reshape global migration patterns, particularly affecting migrants from Africa and Latin America.
In related developments, Saudi Arabia has deported more than 12,000 people, the majority of them African nationals, as part of its Vision 2030 labour reforms. Thousands have been arrested in ongoing crackdowns targeting individuals working without proper permits. Reports indicate that over 4,000 detainees were held for violating labour regulations alone.
