\The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a limited-time programme designed to encourage undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the Christmas season.
Under the initiative, migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home mobile application by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, along with a free flight to their home country. DHS confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
Participants in the programme will also qualify for forgiveness of any outstanding civil fines or penalties linked to their failure to depart the United States when required.
According to DHS figures, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the United States 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 in the incentive package, stressing that it would expire at the end of the year.
“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 so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally—offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year.”
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She also issued a stern warning to undocumented migrants who refuse to participate in the scheme.
“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” Noem warned.
The initiative, known as Project Homecoming, was launched in May 2025 under a presidential proclamation signed by President Donald Trump. At inception, the programme offered $1,000 and a free flight to migrants willing to voluntarily return to their home countries.
Funding for the scheme comes from a $250 million allocation originally earmarked for refugee resettlement, which was later repurposed by the US State Department.
DHS explained that the CBP Home app process is free and straightforward. Migrants are required to download the app, submit their personal information, after which the department arranges and pays for their travel.
The department further cautioned that undocumented migrants who fail to participate may face arrest, forced deportation, and permanent restrictions on returning to the United States in the future.
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