Beginning May 7, illegal aliens in the United States will no longer be permitted to board domestic flights without presenting a valid REAL ID, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The new measure, part of the long-delayed enforcement of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress nearly two decades ago, is now being implemented at airports nationwide by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
DHS Secretary Noem announced the policy shift in a social media message, stating: “Illegal aliens should not be allowed to fly in the U.S. UNLESS SELF DEPORTING.” The exception carves out a path for migrants who are voluntarily returning to their countries of origin through a new federal initiative encouraging self-deportation.
The Biden-era CBP One app — previously used to facilitate nearly a million migrant entries into the U.S. — has been repurposed and rebranded as “CBP Home” under the Trump administration. The revamped app now serves as a digital gateway for self-deportation, offering illegal aliens a streamlined process to report their intent to depart and coordinate their return home.
DHS officials describe this approach as a dignified and cost-effective alternative to traditional deportation. Migrants who choose self-deportation may qualify for up to $1,000 in financial assistance and free transportation, as well as help in securing travel documents and flight arrangements. According to DHS, the cost of deporting migrants via the self-removal program is approximately 70% lower than standard enforcement procedures involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The initiative also responds to mounting backlash over previous TSA practices that allowed illegal aliens to board commercial flights without standard identification, including, in some cases, without any photo ID. In 2023, Breitbart Texas reported the use of separate TSA screening lines at major airports, where NGO escorts facilitated undocumented migrants’ travel using minimal documentation or alternative paperwork.
With the new REAL ID requirement now in place, the administration has sought to close those loopholes while offering an exit ramp to those who wish to avoid ICE apprehension. The “Intent to Depart” feature in the CBP Home app allows for an orderly and legal departure process, officials said, helping migrants avoid the potential legal consequences of remaining in the U.S. unlawfully.
In a recent example, DHS facilitated the voluntary return of an illegal alien from Chicago to Honduras via the CBP Home app — a case officials cited as early evidence of the program’s success.
This shift represents a hard turn away from permissive travel allowances under previous administrations. It also signals the Trump administration’s intent to enforce immigration law through a mix of tougher identification standards and incentivized self-removal — policies designed to reshape how the U.S. manages those in the country unlawfully.
READ NEXT: Real ID, Real Hysteria: Democrats Are Suddenly Upset About A 20-Year-Old Security Law
At last! Someone remembers that Obama deported five million or more illegal aliens without due process and it was no problem. The democrats are lousy hypocrites, poor excuses for patriots and damned poor liars. They, democrat voters and supporters are happy to vote for and support the very crooks that rob them blind, lie to and cheat them and continue to support them. They deserve what they get but the rest of
I’ve been wondering what has become of Obama’s hundreds of thousands of “DREAMERS,” who entered the country ILEGALLY as children and NEVER acquired US Citizenship. These are the illegals that Obama attempted to automatically AMNESTY during his SECOND USURPED term, and failed.
I would have thought they would have come out swinging when Trump took office this term, but they have been absolutely SILENT Are they afraid o make noise for dear of being deported?
Some of them must have dozens of US BORN ANCHOR BAIES by now
While one or two illegals self-deport it’s no where enough. Every illegal in the country needs to be gone. Anyone, or any entity, including churches and government officials need to be held accountable.