US Begins Mass Deportation of Migrants Under Trump-Era Crackdown

The United States is revoking the legal stay of over 900,000 migrants who entered the country under the Biden administration’s CBP One program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued direct orders for immediate departure, warning of severe penalties for non-compliance, including daily fines of $998 (approximately ₹85,500).

US launches $200M ‘Stay Out and Leave Now’ deportation drive

“Leave Immediately or Face the Consequences”

In notices dated April 6, 2025, DHS informed migrants that their parole into the U.S. has been terminated. The statement reads:“Do not attempt to remain in the United States – the federal government will find you. Please depart the United States immediately.”

Migrants are instructed to use the newly launched CBP Home app to confirm their departure. If they fail to comply, they face criminal charges, asset seizures, and loss of any benefits like work authorization.

Trump’s Zero-Tolerance Policy Returns

This move marks a significant shift from the Biden-era approach, with former President Donald Trump’s administration resuming hardline immigration enforcement. Trump criticized the Biden administration’s $6.6 billion aid to TSMC and other foreign companies, saying American interests must come first.

Daily Fines, Possible Ban on Reentry

DHS officials have revealed that non-compliant migrants may be fined retroactively for up to five years. Additionally, those who ignore removal orders risk permanent bans from reentering the U.S.

CBP One Phased Out, CBP Home Takes Over

The CBP One app, which allowed migrants to schedule legal entry appointments, was shut down in January 2025. Its replacement, CBP Home, now includes self-reporting tools for those required to leave.

A $200 Million Campaign: “Stay Out and Leave Now”

The deportation drive falls under a new campaign titled “Stay Out and Leave Now”, backed by a $200 million budget. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared in a national ad, stating:“Leave voluntarily now, or be deported and never return. If you go now, you may earn the chance to return legally.”

She claimed border crossings have dropped 95% since January, with over 32,000 arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this year alone.

Student Visas Also Under Scrutiny

In a related development, some student visas, including those at top institutions like Harvard and Columbia, are being revoked. One case involves Indian doctoral student Rajani Srinivasan, whose visa was canceled following allegations of supporting extremist groups. She has since left the U.S. using the CBP Home app.