The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced a limited-time programme aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.
Under the initiative, 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, DHS said in a statement on Monday.
Participants will also qualify for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.
According to the department, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, with tens of thousands doing so through the CBP Home programme.
Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, described the holiday offer as a temporary increase in incentives.
“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme,” Noem said.
She explained that the incentive, which was initially lower, had been tripled for the festive period.
“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,” the statement read.
Noem also issued a warning to undocumented migrants who fail to take advantage of the programme.
“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 said.
The programme, known as Project Homecoming, was established in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation issued by President Donald Trump.
Initially, DHS offered $1,000 and a free flight to migrants willing to self-deport. The funding for the programme comes from $250 million originally allocated for refugee resettlement, which was repurposed by the State Department.
DHS described the CBP Home app process as fast and free, explaining that migrants only need to download the app, submit their details, and allow the department to arrange and cover the cost of their travel.
The department added that individuals who fail to participate in the programme could face arrest, forced deportation, and permanent restrictions on returning to the United States.
