What is Self Deportation Under Trump New Administration Policies 2025
Self deportation is one of the options provided by US immigration under Trump immigration policies which reduces the number of undocumented immigrants in the country. Self deportation meaning is simply a process where undocumented immigrants leave US voluntarily to avoid deportation risks amid increased scrutiny by Trump Administration 2.0. Many international students hence are opting for self deport instead of risking arrest or detention.
This Story also Contains
- What is Self Deportation?
- Self Deportation vs Voluntary Departure
- Self Deportation Process in USA Using CBP Home App
- Ranjani Srinivasan: Indian Student at Columbia Self-Deports From US After Visa Revocation
A new version of CBP app is introduced by the Trump administration on March 10, 2025 referred to as the ‘CBP Home’ app. This application is used as a platform which Indian students use to self-deport from US. Using the same application, Ranjani Srinivasan (a doctoral student at Columbia University) voluntarily left the country after her US study visa was revoked for participating in pro-Palestine protests.
We have mentioned the complete understanding on ‘What is self deportation in this article. It also includes the self deportation process, definition, number, and more. Read further for more details regarding self deportation meaning.
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What is Self Deportation?
The self deportation meaning is simple which is a voluntary option of leaving the country in cases where their legal authorisation to stay back is unlawful. This helps them to leave without any threat of forced deportation under the country’s stringent immigration policies.
The real meaning of Self-Deportation is an opportunity for unauthorised immigrants to leave US on their own. In USA, authorities seek undocumented immigrants to ‘self-deport’ themselves as a part of Donald Trump’s larger crackdown on immigration policies.
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Self Deportation vs Voluntary Departure
Both self deportation and voluntary departure are very different from each other. Self deportation is the act where individuals leave the country of their own will without any legal charges. It is an option chosen voluntarily to avoid potential deportation risks.
On the contrary, Voluntary Departure is a legal implication imposed by US immigration law on individuals. It allows them to leave the country without a formal deportation order. In USA, here are the key differences highlighting Self Deportation vs Voluntary Departure:
Key Difference Between Self Deportation and Voluntary Departure
Aspect | Self Deportation | Voluntary Departure |
Meaning | Immigrants often leave the country on their own without any legal involvement. | A legal judgment for an individual to leave the country by revoking the formal deportation form. |
Legal Implications | No legal procedure is involved | It is a formal process that must be approved by an immigration judge and not a formal deportation risk. |
Why? | Individuals often choose self deportation of the fear of detention, legal proceedings, family separations, etc | Certain individuals choose Voluntary Departure to avoid the consequences of a formal deportation order |
Who initiates? | An immigrant himself starts the self deportation process. | An immigrant starts the Voluntary Departure process; however, the decision is granted by immigration authorities or a judge |
Self Deportation Process in USA Using CBP Home App
According to the latest Trump video interview, Trump tells illegal immigrants to 'self-deport' using the CBP Home app. He insists that CBP home app which is a revamped version of the previous CBP One app is the safest option for unauthorised immigrants in US to avoid implications associated with deportation and detention risks.
What is CBP Home App?
The CBP Home app is a new version of CBP One introduced by US Customs and Border Protection on 10 March, 2025. The CBP One was the initiative introduced under former President Joe Biden's administration. That app allowed migrants to schedule appointments with the legal border crossings in US.
Under Trump’s administration 2025, Trump revoked and rebranded the previous one offering a smooth self deportation process for prospects. Now, you can self-deport from US without formal deportation proceedings:
Step by Step Self Deportation Process Using CBP Home App
It is a personal choice for individuals to leave the country amid the tougher immigration policies. Hence, they can follow the below mentioned instructions for self deportation America process.
Step 1: Open the CBP App and click on ‘Departing Traveler’. Also, select the language to fill out the self deportation form.
Step 2: Submit the Intent to Depart by clicking on it on the redirected page. Click your photograph and add the biographical information.
Step 3: Take a clear photo and go to next pages for submission.
Step 4: Add information in mandatory biographical information fields with updated contact details.
Step 5: Provide additional answers such as whether or not you have sufficient finances.
Step 6: Submit the self deportation form after reviewing the information.
Ranjani Srinivasan: Indian Student at Columbia Self-Deports From US After Visa Revocation
Recently, there has been a case of self deportation in US after the launch of a new CBP home app. Ranjani Srinivasan is a doctoral student pursuing an urban planning course from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University. This Indian student self deported from the country after US student visa was revoked for participating in pro-Palestine protests. Check out the complete story of Indian PhD student who 'self deported' from US here.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the process of self deportation?
A:
Individuals must use the CBP Home app to initiate the self deportation process. It includes visiting the application, filling out the information in the application form and submitting it with relevant reviewing documents.
Q: Can I return to the US after voluntary departure?
A:
Yes, you can return back to the US after voluntary departure. You can apply for a visa from the home country allowing them legally to re-enter the US. However, these options may not be available in case of legal and formal deportation orders.
Q: Can you travel to USA after being deported?`
A:
Yes, you can travel to USA after being deported; however, you will be banned from re-entering the US for a certain period of time which may vary depending on the case. It can be a permanent ban as well in some cases.
Q: What is voluntary deportation from USA?
A:
A voluntary deportation meaning in USA is immigrants get the option to leave the country of their own will and terms avoiding the formal immigration implications.
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