The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a limited-time incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the Christmas season.
In a statement released on Monday, DHS said undocumented migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by December 31 will receive a $3,000 stipend and a free flight to their home country.
The department added that participants would also qualify for the forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.
According to DHS, 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 said the incentive was temporarily increased for 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,” Noem said.
“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,” she added.
Noem 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.
Guided by a presidential proclamation issued by Donald Trump, DHS launched Project Homecoming in May 2025 to promote voluntary departures.
Initially, the programme offered $1,000 and a free flight to undocumented migrants willing to self-deport. To fund the flights and incentives, the US State Department repurposed $250 million previously allocated for refugee resettlement.
DHS described the self-deportation process via the CBP Home app as fast and free, requiring individuals to download the app and submit their information, after which the department arranges and covers travel costs.