US President Donald Trump
The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced a limited-time incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.
In a statement released on its website on Monday, DHS said undocumented migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, in addition to a free flight to their home country.
The department said participants in the programme would also qualify for the forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.
According to DHS, since January 2025, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive had been temporarily increased during the Christmas season.
“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program.
“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally—offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” Noem said.
“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” she added.
Guided by a Donald Trump presidential proclamation, Homeland Security established “Project Homecoming” in May 2025.
“The American people are generously offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now,” it announced. To pay for the flights and “exit bonuses,” the State Department repurposed $250 million intended to help resettle refugees.
The department described self-deportation through the CBP Home app as a fast and free process, requiring individuals to download the app and submit their information, after which DHS would arrange and cover the cost of travel.
DHS warned that undocumented migrants who fail to take advantage of the offer would face arrest and deportation, with permanent restrictions on re-entry into the United States.
