The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a limited-time immigration programme designed to encourage undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.
Under the initiative, migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app before the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, along with a free flight to their home country, DHS announced on Monday. Participants will also be eligible for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties linked to failure to depart the United States.
DHS revealed that approximately 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, with tens of thousands making use of the CBP Home programme.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the holiday offer as a temporary increase aimed at accelerating voluntary departures.
“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme,” Noem said. “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.”
She also issued a warning to those who fail to participate. “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this opportunity and self-deport. If they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” Noem stated.
The programme, known as Project Homecoming, was launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation issued by President Donald Trump. Initially, DHS offered a $1,000 incentive and a free flight to migrants willing to self-deport. The funding for the programme comes from $250 million originally allocated for refugee resettlement, later repurposed by the State Department.
DHS described the CBP Home app process as fast and free, allowing migrants to register by submitting their information, after which the department arranges and fully covers travel costs.
The agency warned that individuals who do not take part in the programme may face arrest, forced deportation, and permanent restrictions on returning to the United States.
