CBP Home Program and the First Project Homecoming Flight: An Incentivized Pathway for Voluntary Departure

In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a major initiative under the Trump administration’s Project Homecoming, designed to encourage undocumented immigrants to voluntarily depart the United States. A central feature of this initiative is the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home program, which facilitates self-deportation through a mobile application and provides financial and travel assistance to participants.

On May 19, 2025, the first charter flight under this program departed from Houston, Texas, carrying 64 undocumented immigrants to Honduras and Colombia. Each participant received a $1,000 stipend to support reintegration in their home countries. We will now explore the structure of the CBP Home program, the significance of the first flight, implications for impacted communities, and guidance for navigating this emerging policy.

Launch of Project Homecoming and the CBP Home Program

On May 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation establishing Project Homecoming, a policy intended to offer voluntary departure options to undocumented immigrants, supported by federal resources. The CBP Home program, officially launched by DHS on March 10, 2025, serves as the cornerstone of this effort.

Using the CBP Home mobile app, eligible undocumented immigrants can submit their intent to depart by providing personal and travel information, such as name, date of birth, and passport or alien registration number. Once cleared, participants are temporarily deprioritized for ICE enforcement, allowing them to leave the country without arrest or detention.

According to DHS, this approach saves up to 70% compared to traditional deportation costs and enhances safety for both law enforcement and departing individuals. It is part of a broader $200 million campaign featuring the message “Stay Out and Leave Now,” as emphasized by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The First Flight: A New Phase in Immigration Enforcement

On May 19, 2025, the first voluntary charter flight under Project Homecoming departed Houston for Honduras and Colombia. Aboard were 64 participants, 38 Hondurans and 26 Colombians, who used the CBP Home app to arrange their departure. Unlike standard ICE operations, this was a voluntary process, with participants receiving logistical assistance and a $1,000 stipend, paid upon confirmed departure.

Importantly, this departure does not trigger automatic reentry bans, and individuals may still apply for lawful return under existing immigration law. DHS described the flight as a milestone in the administration’s goal to streamline voluntary departures and indicated that additional flights are being planned.

Support for Returnees in Honduras

Upon arrival in Honduras, returnees were greeted by government officials and family members. The Honduran government’s “Hermano, Hermana, Vuelve a Casa” (“Brother, Sister, Come Back Home”) program provided supplementary support, including a $100 bonus for adults, food vouchers, and job placement assistance. These reintegration efforts reinforce the bilateral nature of the initiative.

Details regarding post-arrival support for the 26 Colombian participants remain limited, pointing to potential variations in how countries receive returnees.

Effects on Immigrant Communities

The CBP Home program primarily targets undocumented immigrants from Latin America, but it also affects a broader range of immigrant communities, including Korean Americans and other Asian American groups. For families with mixed immigration status, the program may offer a safer alternative to detention or long-term bars on reentry, such as the three-year, ten-year, or permanent bans triggered by certain forms of unauthorized presence.

While the stipend and assistance offer tangible benefits, critics warn that these incentives, combined with enforcement pressure, may unduly influence vulnerable individuals to leave the country. The program presents both opportunity and risk, requiring careful legal evaluation.

What Lies Ahead

The future of the CBP Home program will depend on multiple factors:

• Program Expansion: DHS has indicated plans for more flights to additional countries.
• Legal Scrutiny: Anticipated lawsuits may shape or limit the program’s operations.
• International Cooperation: The success of reintegration efforts may hinge on support from receiving countries.

For undocumented individuals evaluating this option, it is essential to stay informed through official DHS channels and consult with immigration attorneys before making any decisions.

Conclusion

The CBP Home program represents a new strategy in immigration enforcement, incentivizing voluntary departures with financial and logistical support. The first charter flight on May 19, 2025, marks a notable development in the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reshape immigration policy under Project Homecoming.

While the program offers certain advantages, including cost savings, legal clarity, and a temporary reprieve from enforcement, its impact varies significantly by individual circumstance. Understanding both the benefits and potential consequences is critical. Legal guidance can help individuals make informed decisions about participation, eligibility for reentry, and long-term immigration planning.