In a bold and polarizing move, former President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration tactic: offering undocumented immigrants a financial incentive and complimentary airfare if they agree to “self-deport.” Speaking at a campaign rally in Phoenix, Trump described the program as “a patriotic deal for those who want to do the right thing — and leave.”
“We’re giving them a beautiful bonus to exit, and we’ll even fly them home — first class if they want,” Trump said, to roaring applause from his supporters. “They came here the wrong way. Now they get one chance to go back the right way. No questions asked.”
BREAKING: Trump proposes new “self-deportation” program — undocumented immigrants offered cash and a free flight to leave the U.S. voluntarily. https://t.co/YRUs5AnzVG #Immigration pic.twitter.com/wKyoZWlEOb— CNN (@CNN) June 3, 2025
The plan, dubbed the “Exit Bonus Program,” would offer up to $10,000 per individual willing to leave the U.S. within 90 days and agree not to return illegally. Trump characterized it as “a smart use of taxpayer money,” arguing that the cost of voluntary removal is lower than detention, legal proceedings, or enforcement raids.
Critics, however, blasted the proposal as inhumane and out of touch. Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted, “Trump’s ‘exit bonus’ is a bribe disguised as cruelty. No dignity, no justice, no heart.”
AOC: “Trump’s self-deportation stunt is a dystopian PR move. Cash-for-exit is not a humane immigration policy.” https://t.co/oc6xHEr6Os #Politics pic.twitter.com/F3Y5djYX3U— MSNBC (@MSNBC) June 3, 2025
Meanwhile, conservative voices celebrated the move. Laura Ingraham called it “a brilliant balance of compassion and law enforcement,” while Fox News flashed the headline: “Trump Gives Illegals a Chance to Leave With Dignity.”
Laura Ingraham: “Trump’s plan is common sense: incentives, not handcuffs. Let them leave on their own terms.” https://t.co/TkYcZuXQ6D #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/BkdrKXc8Vu— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 3, 2025
PopCrave, known more for entertainment than politics, weighed in with a viral post: “Trump’s paying people to leave the country now?? 2025 has truly lost its mind.” The tweet racked up millions of views in hours.
PopCrave: “Trump’s ‘exit bonus’ idea is the wildest thing you’ll read today. Reality show energy at a presidential level.” https://t.co/OSMFbViJnk #Breaking pic.twitter.com/2MXvMQ2UKz— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 3, 2025
Legal experts say the program’s legality hinges on its execution. “It’s voluntary, which gives it more breathing room constitutionally,” said immigration attorney Nadia Romero. “But it will absolutely be challenged in court if implemented.”
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemned the proposal. “Offering money to vulnerable people desperate for safety is not generosity—it’s coercion,” a statement read.
As the debate rages, one thing is certain: Trump’s “Exit Bonus” has reignited the country’s most volatile political firestorm—and it’s only just begun.
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