Introduction

On August 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a report claiming that all recent job gains in the U.S. economy have gone to American-born workers, attributing this to stricter enforcement of illegal immigration under President Donald J. Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The report highlights policies such as self-deportation incentives through the CBP Home App and significant tariff collections aimed at curbing illicit trade, particularly synthetic opioids. This article analyzes the DHS claims, evaluates the economic implications, and explores counterarguments from various sources to provide a comprehensive perspective for ClickUSA News readers.

DHS Report: Job Gains for American-Born Workers

The DHS report asserts that under President Trump’s immigration policies, all job gains in the latest economic data have benefited American-born workers. This claim is tied to stringent immigration enforcement measures, including:

• Enhanced Border Security and Deportations: The Trump administration has implemented policies such as reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program, ending “catch and release,” and increasing deportations, with over 142,000 deportations reported in the first 100 days.
• Operation Tidal Wave and 287(g) Agreements: DHS has partnered with state and local law enforcement through over 800 agreements under the 287(g) program, leading to operations like Tidal Wave, which resulted in over 800 arrests of criminal illegal aliens.
• Workplace Enforcement: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resumed aggressive workplace raids, targeting undocumented workers and employers, with a focus on public safety threats but also non-criminal undocumented workers.

The report suggests that these measures have reduced the foreign-born workforce, thereby opening job opportunities for American-born workers. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the economy is “back to serving the American people” due to these policies.

CBP Home App and Self-Deportation Incentives

A key component of the administration’s strategy is the CBP Home App, which replaced the Biden-era CBP One app. The CBP Home App includes a self-deportation feature, encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily with incentives such as:

• Financial and Travel Assistance: The app offers $1,000, a free flight, and travel assistance to those who self-deport, along with the potential opportunity to return legally.
• Forgiveness of Fines: DHS has issued nearly 10,000 fine notices to undocumented immigrants for failing to depart, but those who use the CBP Home App to self-deport are exempt from these civil penalties.

The DHS reports that thousands have used the app to self-deport, contributing to a 95% plunge in daily border encounters and a 99% reduction in migration through Panama’s Darien Gap. The administration argues that this reduces the undocumented workforce, thereby increasing job availability for American-born workers.

Tariff Collection and Closure of the De Minimis Loophole

The DHS report also highlights economic measures tied to immigration enforcement, notably the collection of over $130 billion in tariffs since January 2025, with a 99.5% collection rate by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A significant policy change is the closure of the “de minimis” trade loophole, which previously allowed low-value shipments (under $800) to enter the U.S. without duties or thorough inspection. This loophole was exploited to flood the market with synthetic opioids and other illicit goods.

• Impact on Synthetic Opioids: The closure aims to curb the influx of synthetic opioids, which have contributed to countless American deaths and disadvantaged U.S. businesses. CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, a direct result of enhanced border security and trade enforcement.
• Economic Benefits: The $130 billion in tariff revenue is presented as a boost to the U.S. economy, offsetting losses from illicit trade and supporting domestic industries. The administration claims this protects American workers by leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses.

Counterarguments and Economic Concerns

While the DHS report paints a positive picture, several sources raise concerns about the broader economic impacts of these policies:

• Job Losses for Both Immigrant and U.S.-Born Workers: The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) estimates that deporting 4 million immigrants could lead to the loss of 3.3 million jobs held by immigrants and 2.6 million jobs held by U.S.-born workers, particularly in sectors like construction and childcare, which rely heavily on immigrant labor. The Penn Wharton Budget Model suggests that mass deportations could shrink GDP by 3.3% and reduce wages by 1.7% over a decade, with higher-skilled workers losing an average of $2,764 annually.
• Labor Shortages: Industries such as construction, hospitality, and agriculture report labor shortages due to deportations and the cancellation of programs like the CHNV Parole Program, which allowed legal work for many immigrants. For example, over 125 workers were forced out of a GE Appliances plant in Kentucky, impacting operations. The American Farm Bureau Federation warns that deportations could lead to reduced food supply and higher grocery prices.
• Economic Costs of Deportations: The Penn Wharton analysis estimates that a 10-year deportation program could cost the federal government $987 billion, driven by lost tax revenue and enforcement expenses. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) notes that illegal immigration costs taxpayers $182 billion annually, but deportations could exacerbate economic strain if not balanced with legal immigration pathways.
• Impact on Complementary Labor: Economists argue that immigrant and U.S.-born workers often have complementary roles. Deporting low-skilled immigrants could harm higher-skilled U.S. workers who rely on them, such as in office support roles. A study of the Secure Communities program found that for every 1 million deportations, 88,000 jobs held by U.S.-born workers were lost.
• Public Opinion and Social Impact: A Pew Research Center survey indicates mixed public views, with 47% disapproving of Trump’s immigration approach and 59% opposing the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Deportations and raids have sparked protests, particularly in states like California, and raised concerns about family separations and unsafe conditions for deportees.

Critical Analysis

The DHS report’s claim that all job gains have gone to American-born workers is plausible in the short term, given the contraction of the foreign-born workforce reported in June 2025. However, the causality is contested. The decline in the foreign-born workforce may reflect deportations and self-deportation incentives, but it could also deter legal immigration, which contributes significantly to economic growth. The closure of the de minimis loophole and high tariff collection are likely effective in curbing illicit trade, but their direct link to job gains for American-born workers is less clear, as tariff revenue primarily affects federal budgets rather than direct job creation.

The self-deportation program via the CBP Home App appears to have some success, with thousands utilizing it, but its long-term effectiveness is uncertain without comprehensive data on participation rates and economic outcomes. Moreover, aggressive enforcement may discourage undocumented workers from reporting workplace violations, potentially lowering labor standards and wages for all workers.

The administration’s narrative of prioritizing American workers is politically resonant, with 79% of Americans viewing immigration positively in a Gallup poll, yet support for Trump’s specific policies is lower, particularly among Hispanic adults (21% approval). This suggests a disconnect between the DHS’s optimistic claims and public perception of the policies’ fairness and economic impact.

Conclusion

President Trump’s immigration policies, as outlined in the DHS report, have achieved significant enforcement milestones, including reduced border encounters, increased deportations, and substantial tariff collections. The CBP Home App’s self-deportation feature and the closure of the de minimis loophole are innovative approaches to immigration and trade enforcement. However, the claim that all job gains have gone to American-born workers oversimplifies a complex economic landscape. While short-term gains for some low-skilled American workers are possible, the broader economic risks—job losses, labor shortages, and GDP reduction—cannot be ignored. For a balanced immigration policy, Congress may need to consider legal pathways to address labor demands while maintaining enforcement, as suggested by business groups like the American Business Immigration Coalition.

ClickUSA News readers should weigh both the DHS’s reported successes and the potential economic costs, recognizing that immigration policy remains a contentious issue with far-reaching implications for America’s workforce and economy.