March 12, 2025
For millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States, the fear of deportation is ever-present. Under former President Donald Trump, immigration enforcement was one of the administration’s most aggressive priorities. Now, with the launch of a new self-deportation feature on the CBP Home app, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is stepping up efforts to convince immigrants to leave voluntarily.
But what does this mean for those without legal status? Is self-deportation truly the "safest option," as the government claims? And can those who leave voluntarily ever return legally?
If you or a loved one are facing immigration concerns, it’s crucial to understand how these policies affect you.
What Is the CBP Home App, and Why Is It Controversial?
The CBP One app, originally launched under President Joe Biden, was designed to help asylum seekers apply for legal entry into the U.S. However, under the Trump administration, the app has been rebranded as CBP Home—with a completely different goal.
This new version includes a self-deportation reporting feature, which allows undocumented immigrants to notify the government of their departure. According to DHS, self-deporting is the "safest option" for those without legal status, as it "preserves law enforcement resources."
However, immigration advocates warn that self-deporting is not always as simple or beneficial as the government claims. Leaving voluntarily does not guarantee a smooth return, and in many cases, it may trigger long-term immigration bans under U.S. law.
Trump’s $200 Million Self-Deportation Campaign
The CBP Home app is just one part of a larger, government-backed media campaign aimed at convincing undocumented immigrants to leave.
DHS has launched a $200 million advertising effort, featuring high-profile figures like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In a widely circulated ad, Noem directly warns:
"President Trump has a clear message for those that are in our country illegally. Leave now. If you don’t, we will find you and we will deport you. You will never return."
This message is being broadcast across major U.S. cities like Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, as well as international markets, discouraging people from attempting to enter the U.S. illegally.
While the government presents this as a "voluntary" option, legal experts worry that these aggressive tactics pressure vulnerable families into leaving without fully understanding their rights or options.
What Happens If You Choose to Self-Deport?
If an undocumented immigrant chooses to leave the U.S. voluntarily, their ability to return legally in the future depends on several factors:
✅ Previous Immigration Violations: If an individual has been in the U.S. unlawfully for over 180 days but less than a year, they may face a three-year re-entry ban. If they have been in the U.S. illegally for over a year, they could be barred for ten years under Section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
✅ Pending Immigration Cases: If an immigrant has an active case in immigration court, leaving the U.S. could result in an automatic order of removal, making it even harder to return legally.
✅ Possibility of Adjustment of Status: Some undocumented immigrants may qualify for adjustment of status through marriage, asylum, or work sponsorship. Self-deporting could eliminate these legal pathways.
While DHS claims that voluntary departure could allow immigrants to return legally, the reality is much more complicated.
Legal Risks of Self-Deportation
Before making any decision, it’s critical to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Many immigrants may qualify for relief without realizing it. Some of the legal options that could prevent deportation include:
✅ Asylum: If returning to your home country puts you at risk of persecution, you may be eligible for asylum protection.
✅ Cancellation of Removal: Some undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years and have U.S. citizen children may be eligible for cancellation of removal under 8 U.S.C. § 1229b.
✅ U Visa or VAWA Protection: Immigrants who are victims of crimes or domestic violence may qualify for a U visa or relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
✅ Family-Based Petitions: Those with U.S. citizen spouses, parents, or children may be able to apply for legal status without leaving the country.
Many of these options are time-sensitive and require legal assistance to file correctly.
What Should You Do If You’re Undocumented?
If you or someone you know is undocumented and worried about deportation, DO NOT make any rushed decisions based on government pressure campaigns. Instead, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Consult with an immigration attorney immediately to explore your legal options.
2️⃣ Avoid signing any voluntary departure agreements without understanding the consequences.
3️⃣ Stay informed about your rights—even undocumented immigrants have protections under U.S. law.
At Garcia-Windsor, P.C., we specialize in family law and immigration cases, helping immigrants understand their rights and fight for legal solutions.
Don’t Let the Government Push You into Self-Deportation
The CBP Home app and Trump administration’s ad campaign are clear signs that the government is ramping up efforts to pressure immigrants into leaving the U.S. voluntarily. But self-deportation is not always the best or safest option—and once you leave, you may never be able to return legally.
Before making any decisions, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer. You may have legal options that can protect your ability to stay in the U.S. without risking permanent separation from your family.
At Garcia-Windsor, P.C., we understand the difficulties faced by immigrant families. We are one of the few bilingual firms in Texas committed to helping parents establish strong legal protections for their children.