Trump’s Self-Deportation Strategy Sparks Major Labor Shift and Wage Growth
The Trump administration’s aggressive two-track immigration policy is reshaping America’s labor market by encouraging nearly 1 million illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States. This self-deportation program, led by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan, has empowered undocumented workers to exit without the traditional costly deportation process, providing financial incentives and legal leniency to smooth their departure. As a result, average hourly wages have notably risen due to decreased competition in the workforce, particularly within low-wage sectors.
“We are closer to operational security of the border than we’ve ever had,” said Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott Banks, crediting President Trump’s leadership for the improved enforcement and associated impact on labor market dynamics.
By relying on voluntary compliance backed by firm enforcement, Trump’s administration is cutting illegal crossings and reducing the unauthorized labor pool faster than previous efforts. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that illegal immigrant numbers had ballooned to 15.4 million under Biden’s lax policies but have begun to contract as Trump’s methods take hold.
The Mechanics and Impact of Trump’s Two-Track Immigration Enforcement Plan
President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown combines strict physical enforcement with a strategic self-deportation initiative. This two-pronged approach includes stepped-up arrests and deportations of criminal aliens, alongside registration programs and public awareness campaigns that encourage undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily.
The program offers up to $1,000 incentives, plane tickets home, and relief from fines or detention for those who comply, a method that reduces costs and logistical burdens on taxpayers. This incentivization not only spurs voluntary departures but also sends a strong deterrent signal throughout undocumented communities.
Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores celebrated these results, stating the 93% drop in illegal border crossings reflects “sustained success of our enforcement efforts in securing the homeland and protecting American communities.”
The Department of Homeland Security reports that between March and May 2025, approximately 773,000 to 1 million foreign-born workers have exited the U.S. labor force. Correspondingly, average hourly wages rose by 0.4% in May alone—outpacing inflation—which means American workers’ take-home pay is effectively increasing. According to T. Rowe Price, this wage growth is a direct consequence of a shrinking illegal workforce competing less with American employees for jobs.
Historical Context and Broader Implications of Reduced Illegal Immigration
The current administration’s immigration policies stand in stark contrast to the permissive environment fostered during the prior Biden administration, which admitted over 62,000 migrants in May 2024 alone under catch-and-release policies. In comparison, May 2025 saw zero migrants admitted illegally, and apprehensions fell by 93%, a striking turnaround for border security efforts.
The roots of this shift extend back to Trump’s first term, where initial efforts prioritized border wall construction and enhanced enforcement. Under the leadership of Secretary Noem and Border Czar Homan, these policies have evolved to include incentives promoting self-deportation, cutting the immigrant labor force by half a million to one million workers within only months.
“The historic support from the Trump administration has played a key role in turning the tide on illegal immigration,” noted Straight Arrow News, emphasizing how the multifaceted approach dramatically improved border security and labor market conditions.
This restoration of immigration control sends a message that illegal work and residence come with real consequences, while also restoring job opportunities and wage growth for American citizens and legal residents. It demonstrates that conservative strategies—prioritizing rule of law, strong borders, and practical economic incentives—can reverse decades-long trends of labor market suppression caused by unchecked illegal immigration.