The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a short-term initiative designed to persuade undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily during the Christmas season.
Under the programme, migrants who enroll through the CBP Home mobile application before the end of the year will receive a $3,000 cash incentive, along with a government-funded flight to their country of origin. DHS said participants will also be granted waivers for any outstanding civil fines or penalties related to overstaying or failure to depart the US.
The offer represents a temporary increase from the original incentive introduced earlier this year. Since January 2025, DHS says about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily exited the United States, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home platform.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the holiday incentive as a limited opportunity. In a statement, she said the government was “tripling the incentive” during the Christmas period as a goodwill gesture funded by taxpayers, but stressed that the offer would expire at the end of the year.
Noem also issued a stern warning to migrants who ignore the programme, stating that those who remain in the country illegally risk arrest, forced deportation, and permanent bans from re-entering the United States.
The initiative, known as Project Homecoming, was launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation by President Donald Trump. Initially, the programme offered $1,000 and free airfare to volunteers willing to self-deport.
Funding for the initiative comes from $250 million originally earmarked for refugee resettlement, which was later redirected by the State Department.
According to DHS, the CBP Home app allows users to complete the process quickly and at no cost by submitting basic information, after which the department coordinates and pays for their travel.
DHS reiterated that migrants who decline to participate may face detention, removal proceedings, and long-term restrictions on future entry into the US.
