The United States government is offering a holiday incentive for undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily, providing $3,000 alongside a free flight to their home countries.
The program, announced Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to encourage self-deportation while reducing the risk of enforcement action.
Through the initiative, those living in the U.S. without legal authorization can register via the CBP Home app. In addition to the cash bonus and travel arrangements, participants may also have existing civil fines or penalties waived, smoothing the path for a hassle-free departure.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described the program as a “generous seasonal offer,” noting that since January 2025, nearly 1.9 million undocumented residents have chosen to leave voluntarily, tens of thousands of whom used the CBP Home platform. “During this Christmas season, we are tripling the incentive for those in the country illegally,” Noem said. “It is an opportunity for individuals to take control of their futures. Those who fail to act will face arrest, deportation, and permanent ineligibility to return to the United States.”
The process is designed to be simple. Interested individuals only need to download the app, submit their personal information, and the DHS will handle the logistics, including booking flights home. The department emphasized that the program is meant to be fast, free, and straightforward, making it accessible even for those in remote or challenging circumstances.
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Officials warned that the window to participate is limited, running only until the end of the year. Those who do not take advantage of the offer will be subject to enforcement measures, including detention and deportation, with no possibility of returning legally in the future.
The move reflects a broader strategy by U.S. authorities to manage undocumented migration through voluntary exits rather than relying solely on enforcement. By coupling financial incentives with streamlined procedures, the government hopes to encourage undocumented residents to depart without confrontation, while simultaneously reinforcing legal consequences for those who remain.