Trump issues executive order allowing immigrants free flights out of US

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday launching a “self-deportation” program that allows undocumented immigrants to take free flights out of the United States, Anadolu Agency reported. The White House announced the order includes the CBP Home Application and the Free Return Home program, aiming to facilitate rapid voluntary departures for illegal immigrants.

The federal government will cover the cost of flights for those who choose to leave permanently and will provide an “exit bonus” to assist with travel and relocation expenses. Trump urged undocumented immigrants via social media to “book your free flight right now,” warning that those who remain face sudden deportation at the government’s discretion.

This initiative follows a recent offer of $1,000 incentives for self-deportation. Since returning to office in January, Trump has also ended the CBP One app, which offered legal immigration pathways, and ordered the preparation of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 undocumented migrants. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called the facility “a perfect place” for detaining deported migrants.