DHS Introduces Fine Forgiveness for Self-Deportation Through CBP Home App

In a major shift in immigration enforcement strategy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on June 9, 2025, that undocumented individuals who voluntarily depart the United States using the CBP Home App will now be eligible for forgiveness of civil fines and penalties typically associated with failing to leave after a removal order. This change is intended to encourage voluntary compliance with deportation orders by reducing the financial burden on individuals willing to leave the country on their own.

Under existing law, individuals who overstay after a final order of removal can incur fines of up to $1,000 per day. Those who fail to depart after agreeing to a voluntary departure may also be subject to significant penalties. According to DHS, more than 9,000 individuals have already received fine notices totaling nearly $3 billion. In response, the agency has updated the CBP Home App, making it more user-friendly by eliminating certain procedural steps and streamlining the self-deportation process.

This new policy reflects a more pragmatic approach to enforcement by incentivizing compliance over punishment. However, individuals considering self-deportation should be aware of the long-term immigration consequences such as inadmissibility bars and should consult with an immigration attorney before making any decisions.