US offers illegal migrants $3,000, free flight to voluntarily leave America
The US self-deportation incentive has been announced by the United States Department of Homeland Security as a temporary measure targeting undocumented migrants during the festive season.
The US self-deportation incentive offers financial support and free travel to migrants who agree to voluntarily leave the country before the end of the year.
Cash Offer Linked to Voluntary Exit
In a statement released on Monday, DHS said undocumented migrants who register through the CBP Home app will receive a $3,000 payment and a free flight home.
The department added that participants in the US self-deportation incentive will also qualify for forgiveness of civil fines linked to overstaying in the country.
DHS disclosed that about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the United States since January 2025.
Officials said tens of thousands of migrants used the CBP Home programme to complete the process.
Christmas Season Incentive Boost
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive was increased temporarily to encourage compliance 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,” Noem said.
“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,” she added.
Noem warned that migrants who reject the US self-deportation incentive will face arrest and permanent re-entry restrictions.
“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them,” she said.
Project Homecoming Explained
The incentive operates under “Project Homecoming,” launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation by Donald Trump.
Under the programme, migrants are initially offered $1,000 and free flights to leave the United States voluntarily.
To fund the flights and exit payments, the State Department redirected $250 million originally allocated for refugee resettlement.
DHS described the US self-deportation incentive process as fast and free, requiring migrants to submit details through the CBP Home app.
The department warned that migrants who fail to participate may face forced deportation and permanent bans from returning.
