Gallego proposes alternative to Trump's self-deportation offer

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) on Monday proposed an alternative to a $1,000 offer from the Trump administration to migrants if they “self-deport” via an app. 

“Why don’t we make them pay a $5k fine, go through a background check and give them a work visa for a few years, renewable with good behavior,” Gallego said in a post on the social platform X in response to another post from The Associated Press about the offer.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the $1,000 offer on Monday, describing the funds as a way to “facilitate travel back to their home country,” which will be paid upon confirmation via the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home app that they have returned.

“Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said in a previous press release.

“Illegal aliens submitting their intent to voluntarily self-deport in CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure,” the DHS continued.

Gallego on Monday replied to some X users who commented on his alternative proposal.

“Let me get this straight: you’re telling people who are following the legal path to citizenship that you want illegal immigrants to pay $5,000 to skip the line—even though they broke the law. Got it,” one user said in response to the proposal.

“Work visa is not [citizenship],” Gallego replied.

Another user stated that “the fine should be higher,” to which Gallego said, “It can be higher. It just needs to work able.”

The Hill has reached out to the DHS for comment.