The U.S. government has issued a stern warning to foreign nationals who have overstayed their permitted duration in the country, emphasizing they will be identified and deported.
Through its official account on X, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) urged those "out of status" to utilize the voluntary self-deportation tool.
"You might have entered the U.S. legally for a temporary visit, but if you remain beyond the allowed period, you will be identified and removed. If you have overstayed, use the CBP Home app to self-deport," the agency highlighted.
The White House publicly supported this stance, posting on X: "MASS DEPORTATIONS WILL CONTINUE!"
Incentives for Self-Deportation
On its website, USCIS reminded individuals of the "Homeward Bound Project," an initiative by the Department of Homeland Security promoting self-deportation via the CBP Home mobile application.
According to the official explanation, foreigners illegally in the U.S. can initiate a streamlined process to return to their country of origin.
Those using the app will receive a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 departure bonus upon arrival in their country, and waivers for penalties associated with their illegal stay. After submitting their information, DHS officials will contact them.
The agency clarified that the option for autonomous departure is available to those who have lost their temporary status due to revocation.
Heightened Immigration Restrictions Under Trump Administration
This announcement comes amid an unprecedented tightening of immigration policies.
This week, the Trump administration paused all immigration applications from citizens of 19 restricted countries, including Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, and Venezuela.
The suspension impacts green card processing, citizenship applications, and asylum procedures, leading to canceled interviews and naturalization ceremonies in several cities.
Immigration attorneys reported instances where Venezuelans, Iranians, and others attended their appointments only to be informed of unforeseen cancellations.
"Everything has come to a standstill. It's like a traffic jam that's only going to get worse," stated attorney Ana María Schwartz. Another expert, Elissa J. Taub, confirmed that even permanent residents ready for naturalization have seen their ceremonies annulled.
Authorities framed the decision as a security review following recent incidents, including a Washington shooting involving an Afghan asylum seeker.
USCIS Orders Halt of Immigration Processes for High-Risk Nations
On December 2, USCIS issued memorandum PM-602-0192, mandating the immediate halt of all asylum (I-589), residency (I-485), green card renewals, condition removals, travel authorizations, and naturalization requests from citizens of the 19 countries considered "high risk."
This measure is based on Presidential Proclamation 10949, signed by Donald Trump on June 4, 2025.
The order not only freezes pending cases but also requires a thorough review of already approved benefits, including permanent residencies granted since January 20, 2021.
All applicants must undergo new interviews, without exceptions, to assess ties to criminal or terrorist activities. Officials must verify if foreigners appear in the Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS) and apply inadmissibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The document cites two recent cases as the rationale: Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, convicted of plotting a terrorist attack for Election Day 2024, and Rahmanullah Lakanwal, suspected in the Washington attack that killed National Guard members. Both entered the country under humanitarian programs.
The memorandum warns that the suspension will remain until further notice and any exception will require approval from the USCIS Office of Policy and Strategy.
Direct Impact on Cuban and Venezuelan Nationals
The measure affects applicants from countries included in President Trump's travel ban list.
Consequences already evident include canceled naturalizations, visa freezes, and a fresh wave of instability for immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin America.
Since June, the U.S. has suspended tourist, business, study, and exchange visas for Cubans, adding to the current halt of asylum and residency processes.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser reiterated the government's stance: "Citizenship is a privilege, not a right."
USCIS stated it will develop a priority list within 90 days for cases that may be called for re-interviews, subjected to additional review, or referred to ICE.
The agency was unequivocal: "Nothing is off the table until every foreign national is evaluated to the fullest extent possible."
Reevaluation of Green Cards Issued Since 2021
In late November, USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow announced that, under direct presidential order, there will be a rigorous and comprehensive reevaluation of all green cards issued to foreigners from countries of concern.
Edlow stated on X: "Protecting this nation and the American people remains a priority. The security of the United States is non-negotiable."
The government also ordered a review of all refugees admitted during the Biden administration and warned of a potential further tightening in granting immigration statuses such as asylum, parole, and residency.
A Paradigm Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
The combination of measures—self-deportation with incentives, massive reviews, suspension of benefits, mandatory re-interviews, and visa restrictions—represents a profound transformation in U.S. immigration policy.
More than 1.5 million asylum seekers and tens of thousands of permanent residents could face delays, reevaluations, or loss of benefits.
Amid this reconfiguration, the government's message is unequivocal: those who overstay or come from countries under strict scrutiny will have no margin for error and could be deported, either traditionally or through the voluntary mechanism promoted by the DHS.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Immigration Policy Changes
What is the Homeward Bound Project?
The Homeward Bound Project is an initiative by the Department of Homeland Security encouraging self-deportation through the CBP Home mobile app, offering incentives such as a free plane ticket and a departure bonus.
Which countries are affected by the immigration suspension?
The suspension affects citizens from 19 countries identified as high risk, including Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, and Venezuela.
How has the Trump administration changed immigration policy?
Under the Trump administration, immigration policy has shifted dramatically, with increased restrictions, suspension of processes, and a focus on security and reevaluation of existing benefits.