- US offers $3,000 cash bonus for voluntary departure.
- Free flight tickets included for illegal immigrants.
- Programme runs through Christmas via CBP Home app.
- Arrest and permanent deportation await defaulters.
The United States government has announced a new Christmas self-deportation incentive, offering illegal immigrants free flight tickets and a $3,000 cash bonus to voluntarily leave the country before the end of the year.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, December 22, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which warned that undocumented immigrants who ignore the offer risk arrest, forced deportation, and a lifetime ban from re-entering the US.
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According to DHS, illegal immigrants who sign up for the programme before December 31 will receive free travel arrangements to their home countries along with a $3,000 stipend.
The initiative is being implemented through the CBP Home mobile application, which allows undocumented immigrants to register for voluntary departure.
“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 DHS said.
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Participants will also benefit from waived civil fines and penalties linked to overstaying or previous failure to leave the country.
DHS disclosed that the policy has already seen results, noting a sharp rise in voluntary exits.
“Since January 2025, about 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme,” the department said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the initiative as a temporary goodwill gesture tied to the festive season, explaining that the incentive was tripled for Christmas.
“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily, offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but only until the end of the year,” Noem said.
She issued a strong warning to those considering staying behind.
“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport. If they don’t, we will find them, arrest them, and they will never return,” she added.
DHS assured interested migrants that the process is simple and fully handled by the government.
“Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is fast, free, and easy. DHS will take care of everything, including travel arrangements,” the department said.
The agency reiterated that anyone who ignores the offer will face strict enforcement actions.
