The United States government has announced a $3,000 incentive for undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the country during the Christmas season, warning that those who fail to do so risk arrest and deportation.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said eligible immigrants who enroll in the programme will receive the stipend and a free flight to their country of origin.
According to the department, undocumented immigrants who sign up to self-deport through the CBP Home app before the end of the year will qualify for the incentive.
“Illegal aliens who sign up 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 home,” the statement said.
DHS added that participants would also be eligible for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties associated with failure to depart the country.
The department disclosed that since January 2025, about 1.9 million undocumented immigrants have voluntarily left the United States, with tens of thousands making use of the CBP Home programme.
Commenting on the initiative, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive has been temporarily increased for the holiday period.
“During the Christmas season, the U.S. 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,” Noem said.
She warned that undocumented immigrants who fail to take advantage of the offer would face enforcement actions.
“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 department advised interested individuals to download the CBP Home app and submit their information, noting that the process is designed to be fast and straightforward.
“Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is the best gift that an illegal alien can give themselves and their families this holiday season. It’s a fast, free, and easy process,” DHS stated.
DHS further stressed that those who decline the offer will be arrested, deported, and barred from re-entering the United States.
