Billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban has once again started the debate around immigration. Cuban posted a series of posts on social medial platform X (formerly known as Twitter). He shared his thoughts on the immigration policy, healthcare costs and the economic impact of undocumented migrants. His most provocative suggestion? Offering financial incentives for self-deportation. “I got no problem with offering more money for self-deportation. Cheaper to taxpayers. The only humane option so far,” Cuban wrote.

“Illegal is illegal”—but the data tells a different story

Cuban started his commentary by acknowledging the legal complexities of undocumented immigration. “Illegal is illegal. No way around it. But, the data says that they contribute more than they take”, wrote Cuban. He also emphasised that economic studies shows that undocumented immigrants often pay tables, fill about gaps and also contribute to local economics. He challenged the narrative that they are draining on public resources.

States should decide, Cuban says

Cuban also weighed in on state-level autonomy, arguing that states like California should have the right to allocate federal and local resources as they see fit. “You could argue that is what they, like California, voted for. So it should be their choice to make,” he posted.

Self-deportation: A cost-saving strategy?

Cuban’s proposal to pay immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. echoes recent reports that the Trump administration offered cash stipends to unaccompanied migrant children who agreed to self-deport. The program, confirmed by ICE, targeted minors aged 14 and older, excluding those from Mexico. While Cuban’s idea has drawn criticism from immigration advocates, he framed it as a fiscally responsible and humane alternative to costly enforcement and detention measures.Cuban’s comments come amid ongoing legal challenges to immigration policy. Earlier this month, a federal appeals court blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship, ruling it unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment.