The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced a new financial incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, offering cash payments and paid travel as part of a broader effort to accelerate deportations and reduce enforcement costs. The initiative, introduced ahead of the holiday season, is being framed by federal officials as a cost-effective alternative to traditional immigration enforcement measures.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, undocumented migrants who register to self-deport through the US Customs and Border Protection Home application by the end of the year will be eligible to receive a $3,000 stipend along with a free flight to their country of origin. The department stated that the program is designed to streamline removals while lowering the financial burden associated with arrests, detention, and forced deportations.
Federal officials said participants in the program may also qualify for forgiveness of certain civil fines or penalties related to overstaying their visas or violating immigration terms. The offer marks a significant increase from an earlier incentive announced in May, which provided $1,000 to those willing to leave voluntarily. The higher payment reflects the administration’s push to encourage faster compliance and broader participation.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, the Department of Homeland Security described voluntary departure through the CBP Home app as a simple and accessible process. Officials emphasized that the program allows migrants to make their own travel arrangements with government support, avoiding detention or removal proceedings. The department characterized the initiative as a practical option for individuals and families seeking to resolve their immigration status without facing arrest.
The administration also issued a warning to undocumented migrants who choose not to participate in the program. According to the statement, those who decline the offer could face arrest, deportation, and long-term restrictions on returning to the United States. The message underscored the administration’s continued commitment to strict immigration enforcement and border control.
Supporters of the policy argue that voluntary self-deportation reduces strain on law enforcement resources and lowers overall costs to taxpayers. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the humanitarian implications and the pressure placed on vulnerable populations to leave the country under the threat of enforcement action. The announcement adds to the ongoing national debate over immigration policy, border security, and the role of incentives in managing undocumented migration.
As the year-end deadline approaches, federal agencies are expected to increase outreach efforts to inform eligible individuals about the program. The administration maintains that the initiative aligns with its broader immigration strategy, which prioritizes enforcement while seeking faster and less expensive methods of reducing the undocumented population in the United States.
