More than 2.5 million undocumented immigrants have exited the United States over the past year; Homeland Security shows that roughly 1.9 million people without legal status have opted to leave the country on their own since Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
The remaining 605,000 were removals since President Donald Trump took office in January, according to new figures shared with Fox News Digital. “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know that if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Since January, the administration has rolled out an expansive removal initiative aimed primarily at undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. DHS has also promoted voluntary departure through the CBP Home Mobile App, which offers users a free flight back to their home country along with a $1,000 incentive payment upon departure.
According to federal officials, the shrinking undocumented population has eased the burden imposed on public services, and has contributed to improving job markets in various communities.
This week, the agency unveiled its new “Worst of the Worst” online portal, highlighting criminal noncitizens apprehended during enforcement sweeps. The program has drawn pushback from Democratic lawmakers and municipal leaders, who argue that some enforcement actions have infringed on the civil rights of both citizens and immigrants.
Wednesday, Trump introduced another immigration initiative, which he called the “Trump Gold Card.” The program is designed to give individuals and companies expedited access to U.S. residency.
“THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “A direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our great American companies can finally keep their invaluable talent. Live site opens in 30 minutes!”
The card is set to go on sale with a starting price of $1 million, according to Fox News.