The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a limited-time incentive to encourage undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.
In a statement released on Monday, DHS said 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. Participants in the programme will also qualify for the forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to their failure to depart the United States.
According to DHS, approximately 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, 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. “During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is 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.
She added, “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.”
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The programme, known as “Project Homecoming,” was established in May 2025 under a presidential proclamation from former President Donald Trump. Initially, the incentive offered $1,000 and a free flight for migrants who self-deported. To fund the increased exit bonuses and travel costs, the State Department repurposed $250 million originally allocated for refugee resettlement.
DHS described self-deportation through the CBP Home app as a fast and free process. Migrants simply need to download the app, submit their information, and DHS will arrange and cover the cost of travel.
The department warned that undocumented migrants who fail to take advantage of the offer will face arrest and deportation, with permanent restrictions on re-entry into the United States.