Santa Ana, CA — As federal immigration authorities continue to roll out President Donald Trump’s controversial self-deportation program, offering cash incentives to undocumented immigrants, legal experts and community advocates are urging caution.
The program, launched by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2025, offers $1,000 and travel assistance to individuals who voluntarily leave the United States using the CBP One app. But for undocumented residents in Santa Ana and across California, the risks may far outweigh the benefits.
While the program is framed as a cost-saving alternative to formal deportation — which averages $17,000 per person — immigration attorneys warn that accepting the offer could permanently jeopardize future legal entry into the U.S. “There is no guarantee of reentry, no pathway to legal status, and no automatic forgiveness,” said one immigration law expert. “Voluntary departure still triggers bans and bars under current law.”
Participants who self-report to ICE may be exposed to detention or expedited removal if they don’t qualify for the program or have prior immigration violations. Even those who leave without incident may face multi-year reentry bans, especially if they overstayed a visa or entered without inspection.
As of October 2025, DHS has not released official data on how many Americans have accepted the offer. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated in August 2025 that approximately 1.6 million immigrants without legal status had left the U.S. since January 1, 2025, a number they attribute partly to an ad campaign warning of potential arrest or deportation.
Immigration advocates report low participation, citing confusion, mistrust, and the long-term consequences of self-deportation.
Santa Ana’s undocumented residents are advised to consult with qualified immigration attorneys before taking any action. “The financial incentive may seem appealing,” said a local legal aid coordinator, “but the cost could be permanent separation from family, loss of work, and no way back.”
For those seeking legal residency, options like temporary visas, asylum claims, or family-based petitions may offer safer and more sustainable paths forward. Community organizations across Orange County continue to provide free legal clinics and immigration workshops to help residents understand their rights and risks.
As the federal program unfolds, the message from Santa Ana’s legal community is clear: Know your options, protect your future, and don’t make life-altering decisions without trusted guidance.
Here’s a list of free or low-cost immigration legal services available in Santa Ana, CA:
- Public Law Center Offers free legal clinics for immigration, asylum, DACA, green cards, and family law. Address: 601 Civic Center Dr W, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: (714) 541-1010 x3 Website: publiclawcenter.org
- Community Legal Aid SoCal Provides immigration help, domestic violence support, and elder law services. Address: 2101 N. Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: (800) 834-5001 Website: communitylegalsocal.org
- Catholic Charities of Orange County – Immigration & Citizenship Services Offers free citizenship education and low-cost naturalization help. Address: 1820 E. 16th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: (714) 347-9600 Website: ccoc.org
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center (IMMDEF) Provides free immigration services, rapid response legal support, and community trainings. Phone: (213) 634-0999 or (213) 833-8283 Website: immdef.org
- Orange County Rapid Response Network Offers emergency legal support and immigration resources. Hotline: (714) 881-1558 Website: ocrrn.org
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center Connects individuals with attorneys and legal guides. Website: ilrc.org