Illegal Aliens Now Barred From Flying Without REAL ID—Unless Self-Deporting
Illegal aliens currently residing in the United States can no longer fly without a REAL ID unless they are boarding a plane to self-deport, according to Secretary Noem of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The REAL ID Act came into force on May 7. Congress originally passed the legislation nearly 20 years ago in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, aiming to tighten security and standardize identification requirements for domestic air travel.
In a social media post promoting the new enforcement, DHS Secretary Noem stated, “Illegal aliens should not be allowed to fly in the U.S. UNLESS SELF DEPORTING.”
Earlier this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) relaunched the Biden-era CBP One app as a self-deportation tool.
President Joe Biden had previously used the app to admit nearly one million illegal aliens into the U.S., after which it was rebranded as CBP Home, Breitbart reported.
Last month, President Donald Trump announced that illegal migrants who were temporarily allowed to live in the United States under the CBP One appointment system must leave the country “immediately.”
Since January 2023, more than 900,000 illegal migrants have entered the country using the app.
Under Biden-era policies, they were allowed to stay for two years and work legally under a provision called “parole,” the Daily Mail reports.
Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security confirmed the cancellation of these paroles. A spokesperson for DHS said, “Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security.”
Authorities stated that termination notices have been sent to all CBP One parole recipients. These individuals were encouraged to volunteer for self-deportation using the same app they entered with.
This announcement coincided with the news that illegal migrants remaining in the U.S. after a final deportation order will be charged $998 per day. A DHS spokesperson said, “If they don’t [leave], they will face the consequences. This includes a fine of $998 per day for every day that the illegal alien overstayed their final deportation order.”
The updated CBP Home app now includes a feature called “Intent to Depart,” allowing illegal aliens to notify DHS of their plans to leave the United States voluntarily.
READ: Trump and Noem Push to Dismantle FEMA: “You Don’t Need FEMA, You Need a Good State Government”
During Biden’s administration, the TSA had implemented special screening lines at airports, allowing illegal aliens to board flights without presenting photo IDs.
That policy has now been reversed.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced a program offering illegal migrants up to $1,000 in stipends and free flights to incentivize self-deportation through the CBP Home app.
In a statement, DHS officials wrote:
“Illegal aliens who register for voluntary self-departure through the CBP Home app may be eligible to receive financial assistance for their departure. If requested, the U.S. Government will assist in booking tickets and/or with obtaining necessary travel documentation.
Aliens requesting assistance will have a timely departure arrangement facilitated for them (estimated departure to be within 21 days of approval). Aliens in need of assistance should take extra care to ensure they provide accurate contact information and are responsive to outreach attempts.”
This initiative is described as a cost-effective and “dignified” way to remove illegal aliens from the country without ICE intervention, while cutting deportation expenses by nearly 70 percent.
READ: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Halts ALL Funding of NGOs Aiding Illegal Immigration