Self-deportation is an informal term used to describe when someone leaves the United States (U.S.) usually because it becomes hard for them to stay. It is not a formal legal process, but this term used by the current administration in messages about immigration.  

We will not use the term “self-deportation” because it can be confusing and hurtful. Instead, we will use the term “voluntary repatriation.”

Voluntary repatriation means choosing to return to your home country on your own. It is a personal decision you make when you feel it is the best option for you and your family. 

You may choose voluntary repatriation if you want to be closer to family, if it’s safe to return, or if you are not able to stay in the U.S. and want to leave with some control over the process. This is not a formal legal process because it does not require applying for or getting official permission, and it doesn’t involve any legal paperwork or court proceedings. 

Note: Voluntary repatriation is different from “voluntary departure.” Voluntary departure is a legal option an Immigration Judge may grant during a court case.

No, they are different.  

Voluntary Repatriation  

• An immigrant decides to leave the U.S.  

• It is not a legal process. 

• It does not offer any protection or guarantees of future immigration benefits. 

• Be cautious of anyone who promises that this option will lead to legal status later.  

Deportation  

• An Immigration Judge orders you to removed through a court case. 

• If you have an open case in immigration court, it’s important to either finish the case or tell the judge if you plan to leave on your own. 

• Leaving the country before a decision or without informing the court or USCIS can cause the judge to issue a removal order, which makes it harder to return later. 

• In some cases, an immigration judge may may allow voluntary departure instead of a removal order. 

Voluntary departure is an alternative to removal that allows you to leave the U.S. on your own within a set amount of time, without receiving a deportation order on your record. This option may make it possible for you to return legally in the future. 

This is an option for people who are in removal proceedings and must be approved by an Immigration Judge. 

This is separate and different from voluntary repatriation. 

Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or DOJ accredited representative before making any decisions. 

Voluntary repatriation can give someone the chance to leave the U.S. on their own terms, without going through detention or a court process. It is important to know that voluntary repatriation is not a legal process. It does not provide protections or lead to immigration benefits in the future. 

Leaving the U.S. on your own can have legal effects: 

• If you have any applications (like for a visa or green card) pending, leaving the U.S. usually means you give up on those applications, and you might lose your chance to receive that status. 

• If you leave while you have a court case open, the judge will likely make a final order of removal (deportation). This makes it harder to come back to the U.S. and can stop you from getting some types of help or protection. 

• If you applied for asylum but then go back to that country voluntarily, it will be hard to get asylum in the future unless things change a lot in your home country. 

• If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and you leave the U.S. voluntarily, you lose that status and the protections that come with it.  

Maybe. It depends on several factors, including:  

• Their immigration history 

• How they entered and how long they stayed in the U.S. 

• Whether they had any past immigration violations 

• Whether they have family or other ties in the U.S. 

• The type of visa or immigration benefit they apply for in the future 

If you entered the U.S. without permission, leaving the U.S. may trigger “bars.” Bars are time limits that stop you from coming back to the U.S. legally.  

If you entered the U.S. more than once without permission, you may be blocked from returning unless you get a waiver or special permission from the government. 

Although the current administration has said that people who leave may have a chance to return through a formal process, no official program or policy has been created. 

Voluntary repatriation can affect your ability to apply for immigration benefits or visas in the future. Some people may have to wait a certain amount of time before they can apply again. 

If you had a visa but stayed in the U.S. too long, it may be hard to get another visa after you leave. Some programs like asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) require you to be in the U.S. to apply. Leaving the U.S. could make you ineligible for those programs. 

Important: The current administration offered a $1,000 stipend to those who leave voluntarily, requiring them to agree not to return to the U.S. 

There are no official forms or paperwork needed to leave on your own. You will need a valid passport from your home country. It is advisable to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or DOJ accredited representative before making any decisions.

 
If applying for the $1,000 stipend, you should follow the process via the CBPHome App. 

It is not required to notify anyone before you leave on your own, but if you are considering returning to the U.S. at any time in the future, it is advisable to speak with a lawyer or DOJ accredited. 

If you are in courts proceedings, it is generally a good idea to notify the Immigration Court before departing the U.S. This can help avoid a formal order against you if you don’t show up. 

Before making any decisions, it is important to understand how leaving may affect your future immigration options. 

No, a lawyer is not required to start or finish the voluntary repatriation process. However, it is highly recommended to consult with a trusted immigration lawyer or accredited representative before making any decisions or plans. 

You can find resources here to help plan your departure.  

Voluntary repatriation affects more than legal status. Important things to plan include: 

• Travel documents: Make sure your passport is valid and check if you need any other documents to re-enter your home country. 

• Money and travel costs: Plan how you will pay for your flight or transportation. 

• Housing: Plan where you’ll live after returning whether that means staying with family or friends, or arranging a new place to live. 

• Healthcare: If you have medical needs, investigate health services in your home country and make sure you bring important records and or prescriptions. 

• Schooling: If you’re returning with children, research how to enroll them in school and get any needed transcripts or documents from the children’s school in the U.S. 

• Jobs and income: Think about your work options after you return. You may need to transfer or update your skills, licenses, or certifications to find employment. 

• Emotional support: Leaving the U.S. can be hard, especially if you have lived here a long time. Talk to someone you trust, like a community leader, counselor, or support group. 

• Safety: Make sure it is safe to return. If you are afraid to go back for any reason, you may still have legal options to stay. 

If you do not have valid travel documents (like a passport), it may be hard or even impossible to leave the U.S. If you try to leave through an airport or land border without proof of your identity or nationality, you could be stopped, detained, or even sent to a third country that is not your home. It is important to make sure you have the right documents before trying to leave. 

Asylum is still a legal way for people who are afraid to go back to their home country to ask to stay in the U.S. You can apply for asylum and other benefits at the same time.  

Yes, the current administration has implemented new deportation priorities that broaden the groups of people it is targeting for removal. 

• Recent Arrivals: People who have been in the U.S. for less than two years may be subject to expedited removal. Expedited removal means the government does not have to allow you to see an Immigration Judge before removing you from the United States.

  However, even if you are subject to expedited removal, you have a right to ask for asylum or a “credible fear interview” before you are removed from the U.S. If you ask for this and are considered truthful, the government has to give you an opportunity to tell your story to an Immigration Judge.  

• Criminal Records: Noncitizens with criminal convictions, pending charges or arrest. If you have a criminal record, or a pending criminal case, you should speak to a trusted lawyer that has experience with both criminal and immigration laws.  

• Final Orders of Removal: If you have been ordered removed or deported by an Immigration Judge or Border Agent, and you have exhausted your appeals, you may be subject to a “Final Order of Removal.” If you have a final order of removal, you may not be eligible for another court date in front of the Immigration Judge, unless you express a credible fear of return to your home country. You should clearly express that you want a credible fear interview or withholding of removal if you fear return to your country.  

• Broader Enforcement: The administration has expanded enforcement efforts to include people not included in the above priorities, which has led to an increase in arrests and detentions.  

If someone with health concerns is in removal proceedings before an immigration judge, they can ask for humanitarian relief or deferred action to stay temporarily. These are usually short-term and don’t always lead to permanent legal status. Sometimes, the judge may allow them to work while deferred action is in place, but this depends on the case. 

If you are on medication or need ongoing medical care, carefully consider your options before choosing voluntary repatriation.  

If you choose voluntary repatriation, make sure you have enough medicine and a plan for your health needs in your home country before leaving the U.S. Leaving without proper medical support can be risky. Always try to get advice from a health professional or someone you trust to help you plan safely. 

If a Venezuelan national wants to leave the U.S. but does not have a valid passport or ID, the process can be more complicated. Most airlines and border officials require a valid travel document to prove your identity and nationality. Since there is no Venezuelan embassy in the U.S., getting documents or travel permission to return to Venezuela can be difficult.  

Individuals should talk to a trusted immigration practitioner before making any plans or decisions especially if they are unable to get travel documents or passports.  

The Trump administration has tried to end protections like TPS and parole for many people, including Venezuelans. These changes are still being challenged in court, and some protections remain in place for now. Colombians do not have specific TPS or parole programs. Because these rules can change and court cases are ongoing, it’s important to stay updated and check resources like our “Parole FAQ” for the latest information.