The US Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a limited-time campaign to encourage undocumented migrants to voluntarily depart the nation during the holiday season.
Migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will get a $3,000 compensation, as well as a free airfare back to their home country, according to a DHS statement released Monday.
Participants will also be eligible for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties associated with refusal to depart the United States.
According to the DHS, approximately 1.9 million unauthorized migrants have voluntarily departed the nation since January 2025, with tens of thousands utilizing the CBP Home program.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the holiday incentive as a temporary increase.
“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme.
“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 for those who do not take part. “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 initiative, named “Project Homecoming,” was launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation released by former President Donald Trump.
DHS first proposed $1,000 and a complimentary flight to individuals who agreed to self-deporprogramogramme is funded by $250 million that was initially designated for rresettlement andlement, repurposed by the State Department.
DHS characterized the CBP Home app procedure as quick and costless. Migrants just install the app, provide their details, and DHS organizes and pays for the transportation.
The department additionally cautioned that those who fail to engage may encounter arrest, deportation, and lasting bans on reentering the United States.
