Illegal Aliens Can No Longer Fly Without a REAL ID, Except to Self Deport

Beginning this week, illegal aliens without REAL ID can no longer board commercial flights in the U.S.—unless they are self-deporting. A new DHS policy combines flight restrictions with financial incentives to encourage voluntary departure.

Key Facts:

The REAL ID Act is now being enforced at airports nationwide, requiring secure identification for all passengers.
Illegal aliens may only fly if using the CBP Home app to voluntarily self-deport.
DHS is offering up to $1,000 and free flights to encourage self-deportation.
Secretary Noem emphasized that illegal aliens “should not be allowed to fly in the U.S. UNLESS SELF DEPORTING.”
The move follows the cancellation of Biden-era parole programs and new enforcement through the CBP Home app.

The Rest of The Story:

As of May 7, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are enforcing the REAL ID Act, a law passed after the 9/11 attacks but only now fully implemented.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Noem, clarified that illegal aliens cannot use domestic air travel unless they are in the process of leaving the country voluntarily.

This new measure coincides with the relaunch of the CBP One app, now rebranded as CBP Home, which includes a feature called “Intent to Depart.”

This allows illegal aliens to notify DHS of their plans to self-deport.

The Biden-era practice of allowing illegal aliens to fly without photo identification—sometimes with no ID at all—has now been reversed.

Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID to fly. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a REAL ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!

Illegal aliens should not be allowed to fly in the U.S. UNLESS SELF DEPORTING. pic.twitter.com/DeNQSi7Zos

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 1, 2025

Commentary:

This is a long overdue correction to one of the more baffling practices of the Biden administration—allowing individuals in the country illegally to fly without standard identification, while law-abiding Americans face strict ID requirements.

For years, illegal aliens have benefitted from loopholes, backdoor amnesty, and selective enforcement.

The special TSA screening lines created for them in 2023 were not only unjust but also potentially dangerous from a security standpoint.

Now, the DHS is sending a clear message: if you entered illegally and your parole has been revoked, it’s time to go.

And if you choose to leave voluntarily, the government will even help you do it.

A free flight and $1,000 is more than generous.

In fact, it’s more than most citizens could expect from the federal government under difficult circumstances.

Some may argue that offering money to those breaking our laws is rewarding bad behavior.

But viewed differently, it’s a smart investment.

Deportation is expensive.

If voluntary self-deportation costs 70% less, it’s a win for taxpayers.

Additionally, it removes the burden on law enforcement agencies like ICE, which often face political and legal pushback when trying to carry out removals.

This program also restores a sense of order and justice.

Illegal entry shouldn’t come with perks.

The restructured policy reinstates basic fairness: citizens follow the rules, and those who break them face consequences.

By offering a “dignified” way out, the administration defuses the emotional arguments that typically surround deportation.

At the same time, it regains control over a system that had become chaotic and politicized.

The Bottom Line:

Illegal aliens are now barred from flying within the U.S. unless they opt to self-deport.

With the CBP Home app, the Trump administration is offering a cost-effective way to enforce immigration law while respecting dignity.

Free flights and a stipend may seem like a handout, but it’s a practical solution to reduce enforcement costs and restore rule of law.

Illegal Aliens Can No Longer Fly Without a REAL ID, Except to Self Deport

Key Facts:

The Rest of The Story:

Commentary:

The Bottom Line:

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