Washington DC [US]: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant increase in the financial incentive for undocumented immigrants who choose to voluntarily leave the country. The self-deportation stipend has been raised from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 for those who exit the US through the CBP Home app before the end of the year.
In addition to the enhanced cash incentive, eligible individuals will also be provided with a complimentary flight to their home country, DHS confirmed in an official statement issued on Monday (local time).
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the initiative has already seen substantial participation. According to the department, around 1.9 million undocumented immigrants have voluntarily left the US since January 2025, with tens of thousands utilising the CBP Home programme. Noem described the temporary increase in the stipend as a seasonal incentive, stating that taxpayers are funding the enhanced USD 3,000 bonus only until the year’s end.
Warning of strict enforcement, the Secretary said undocumented migrants who do not avail themselves of the voluntary exit option would face arrest and permanent consequences. She stressed that those who ignore the opportunity would be tracked down by authorities, detained, and barred from returning to the United States.
Cracking down on illegal immigration has remained a central priority of President Donald Trump’s administration since he assumed office. In May, DHS had already introduced financial and travel support measures to encourage voluntary departures through the CBP Home app, offering a USD 1,000 stipend payable after confirmation of return.
The department has described self-deportation as a more orderly and respectful alternative to forced removal, allowing individuals to avoid detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS estimates that wider adoption of the programme could cut deportation-related expenses by nearly 70 per cent, noting that the average cost of arresting, detaining and removing an undocumented immigrant stands at over USD 17,000.
Officials believe the expanded incentive will further reduce enforcement costs while accelerating voluntary departures ahead of the year-end deadline.
