Donald Trump is facing fierce backlash after unveiling a controversial new immigration plan that promises to pay undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country—offering what critics are blasting as a “humiliatingly low” sum of money and a one-way ticket on what he described as “beautiful flights.”
Speaking at a packed rally in Texas, Trump revealed his scheme to revive and expand a version of the infamous “self-deportation” policy. “We’re going to make it worth their while—cash and a beautiful flight home,” he declared to roaring cheers from supporters.
But immigrant rights groups and political opponents were quick to slam the plan, calling it both demeaning and unrealistic. According to leaked documents shared by NBC News, the offer would be a mere $2,000 per person—an amount one activist called “insulting and laughably out of touch.”
BREAKING: Trump promises undocumented immigrants $2,000 each to “self-deport” on “beautiful flights” back home. Critics call it a disgrace. https://t.co/9LXjhD5rgK #Immigration pic.twitter.com/W4X6yp6qPh— Reuters (@Reuters) May 7, 2025
“We are talking about people who have built lives here—families, jobs, communities,” said Marisa Franco, director of the advocacy group Mijente. “The idea that a measly $2,000 and a plane ticket is going to make up for that is beyond offensive.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre blasted the proposal during a fiery press conference, calling it “a return to the failed, xenophobic policies of the past” and warning that it could reignite mass protests nationwide.
Karine Jean-Pierre: “Trump’s so-called self-deportation plan is cruel, ineffective, and deeply unserious. We’ve seen this disaster before.” https://t.co/YvKXhz47dG #Politics pic.twitter.com/Ib6OUL4mRz— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 7, 2025
Social media erupted within minutes. A viral post from @OccupyDemocrats read: “Trump offering $2,000 to immigrants to leave is one of the most insulting policies we’ve ever seen. Disgraceful.”
The outrage is being felt globally too. Mexico’s foreign ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning the policy as “dehumanizing and dangerous,” while human rights watchdogs warned of a potential humanitarian crisis if large numbers are coerced into leaving.
Mexico’s government slams Trump’s deportation payout: “Dehumanizing, dangerous, and unacceptable.” https://t.co/6phfLQo7T1 #Immigration pic.twitter.com/LJcR4pCg6W— BBC News (@BBCWorld) May 7, 2025
Experts are divided on whether the plan would even be legal. Immigration attorney David Leopold told CNN, “There’s no doubt this would face immediate legal challenges. The ethical and logistical issues are massive.”
Trump’s supporters, however, are cheering the idea. Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren tweeted, “$2,000 and a ticket home? Sounds like a sweet deal. Time to clean up our borders the smart way!”
Tomi Lahren defends Trump’s new immigration plan: “$2,000 and a plane ticket home? That’s smart policy, folks.” https://t.co/y0ZQQmfNLx #Trump2025 pic.twitter.com/E79RK6zvHe— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 7, 2025
Meanwhile, TikTok creators and meme accounts have jumped on the story, flooding the platform with satirical videos mocking the idea of “beautiful flights.” A clip from @NowThisNews featuring a dramatic reenactment has already garnered over 6 million views.
With immigration shaping up to be a central issue in the 2025 election, Trump’s latest gambit has reignited fierce debates nationwide. As protests brew and lawsuits loom, one thing is certain: this controversial plan is far from the last we’ll hear of it.
