The United States government has unveiled a Christmas incentive programme offering illegal immigrants up to $3,000 to voluntarily leave the country, cautioning that those who decline the offer could face arrest and permanent deportation.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that undocumented immigrants who enrol in the scheme before the end of the year would receive a cash stipend along with complimentary flight tickets to their home countries.
The programme is being administered through the CBP Home mobile application, which allows eligible individuals to register for voluntary departure.
“Illegal aliens who register for self-deportation via the CBP Home app by year-end will receive a $3,000 cash incentive in addition to a free flight home,” the DHS statement said.
Participants may also benefit from the waiver of civil fines or penalties incurred for overstaying or failing to depart the country previously. “Using the CBP Home app also qualifies recipients for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for not leaving the country on time,” the department added.
According to the DHS, voluntary departures have surged since the start of 2025. “Since January 2025, 1.9 million undocumented individuals have self-deported voluntarily, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme,” the statement noted.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the initiative as a seasonal gesture of goodwill, highlighting that the incentive had been tripled during the Christmas period. “During the holiday season, US taxpayers are generously tripling the incentive for voluntary departure — offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but only until year-end,” Noem said.
She issued a strong warning to those considering staying in the country illegally: “Undocumented immigrants should take advantage of this offer and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, arrest them, and they will never return,” she added.
The DHS assured participants that the process would be simple, urging them to download the app and submit their information. “Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is the best gift an undocumented immigrant can give themselves and their families this holiday season. It’s fast, free, and straightforward: download the app, fill out your details, and DHS will handle the rest, including travel arrangements,” the statement said.
The department reiterated that ignoring the offer could have severe consequences. “Those who do not take advantage of this opportunity face only one alternative: they will be arrested, deported, and permanently barred from returning to the United States,” DHS warned.
The move comes amid ongoing debates over immigration restrictions, which former President Trump and other officials have defended as necessary for national security and proper vetting of foreign nationals.
