What to consider if you’re an immigrant thinking of permanently departing the U.S.

As news of immigration raids and detention rates escalates, many undocumented immigrants’ plans have included the possibility of leaving the United States permanently. As many as 72,000 have already left using the CBP Home app, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security. 

While the Trump administration has encouraged immigrants to “self-deport,” the process of deciding to leave the U.S. permanently is a complicated one that involves much planning and thought.

This guide will provide a general list of topics to consider if you are an immigrant who is thinking of leaving the U.S. 

Also read: What is CBP Home: A U.S. Government App to Help Migrants Self-Deport

Legal Considerations

• If you are currently in or have ever been in removal proceedings, you should speak with an attorney before deciding to depart the U.S. Leaving the U.S. without being granted voluntary departure or otherwise resolving your case could have adverse consequences that may impede your ability to return to the U.S. in the future. 
• If you have never been in removal proceedings but have an application pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, it is also important to consult with an attorney to ensure that departing the country will not adversely affect your eligibility for the USCIS benefit or visa you are seeking. 
• If you came to the U.S. and have lived out of status for a year or more, you have accrued something called “unlawful presence,” which may subject you to a three-year or 10-year re-entry bar to the United States. Depending on your specific circumstances, this may affect your eligibility for certain immigration benefits and could complicate your ability to return to the U.S. in the future. 

Also read: Before ICE: A Guide for Parents at Risk of Deportation or Detention

IDs & Other Legal Documents

In addition to consulting with an attorney about your departure, you may also need to meet with other professionals and institutions to get copies of important documents for you and any family members who may be departing the country with you. Below is a non-exhaustive list of paperwork you should keep and make copies of:

• Identification Documents
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Marriage or divorce certificates, where applicable
  • Driver’s License or other ID cards
  • Immigration documents (visas, I-94s, final order from an immigration judge or decision from USCIS officer, proof of departure from U.S.)
• Health Documents
  • Vaccination records
  • Prescription medications and medical diagnoses
  • Recent labs, hospitalization records, MRI’s, Xrays or other diagnostic testing
• School Records
  • Transcripts, diplomas and other educational certificates and training
  • Special education diagnosis or education plans
• Business & Property
  • Copies of deeds or titles for any homes or personal property that were transferred upon sale
• Bank accounts
  • Money in U.S. accounts should be transferred and any documentation of closing or transferring funds should be kept

Emotional Considerations

In addition to getting copies of important documents, transferring money or selling property and getting a legal consultation, it may be important to talk to loved ones or a mental health specialist about this decision. Many facets of your mental health may be impacted by weighing the decision to leave the U.S. and planning for a future abroad, so talking about the emotional toll this may take on you could be helpful. Here is a resource that guides individuals through various questions and exercises as they consider a life outside the U.S. 

Also read: Mental Health Resources for Immigrants in New York

Other Considerations Before Using the CBP Home App To Depart the U.S.

Some people may choose to use CBP Home — a free, mobile application created by the Department of Homeland Security to streamline the process for immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. However, it is important to note that if you do leave the U.S. by using this app, you may encounter delays in the process, may end up not receiving the $1,000 “exit bonus” DHS has promised to immigrants who “self deport,” and could still be at risk of being detained while you wait for your request to go through. 

This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative. The content was last updated March 2026.