The Trump administration has announced a limited-time immigration incentive offering $3,000 and a free flight home to undocumented migrants who agree to voluntarily leave the United States by the end of the year, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under the program, individuals in the US illegally who sign up through the CBP Home mobile application before December 31 will receive the cash payment, paid travel to their home country, and forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart.
DHS Details Holiday Self-Deportation Incentive
In a press release issued Monday, DHS said the incentive is designed to accelerate voluntary departures during the holiday season. The offer triples the previous $1,000 payment unveiled earlier this year.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the initiative is intended to reduce enforcement costs while encouraging migrants to leave voluntarily rather than face arrest and detention.
Kristi Noem Warns of Consequences After Deadline
Noem said that since January 2025, 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily self-deported, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home program.
“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily — offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” Noem said.
She warned that migrants who do not take advantage of the offer will face enforcement action. “If they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” she said.
CBP Home App Repurposed Under Trump
The CBP Home app, formerly known as CBP One, was launched under the Biden administration to allow migrants to schedule asylum interviews.
Under President Donald Trump, the app has been rebranded and repurposed to facilitate voluntary self-deportation. Officials describe the approach as faster and less costly than arresting and detaining migrants.
DHS Cites Cost Savings and Broader Crackdown
DHS estimates that arresting, detaining, and deporting an undocumented migrant costs approximately $17,000 per person—significantly more than the incentive package, even with the increased stipend.
The announcement is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which has pledged record levels of deportations. While the administration initially aimed to remove 1 million undocumented migrants annually, officials say between 261,000 and 622,000 people have been deported so far this year.
Preparations are underway for a more aggressive enforcement push in 2026, including hiring additional immigration agents, expanding detention facilities, and partnering with private companies to track individuals without legal status.
