US Steps Up Self-Deportation Campaign, Offers $3,000 'Holiday Exit Bonus': Here's Who Is Eligible

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a limited-time incentive offering undocumented migrants USD3,000 if they voluntarily leave the country by December 31, 2025, significantly increasing the earlier USD 1,000 exit bonus.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the enhanced payment, introduced as part of a holiday season campaign, aims to accelerate removals while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. The offer applies to migrants who register for voluntary departure through the CBP Home mobile application and complete their exit within the stipulated time.

Free Travel, Waiver Of Penalties Included

According to DHS, eligible participants will receive not only the USD3,000 stipend but also free airfare to their home countries. In addition, certain civil fines or penalties linked to overstaying visas or remaining in the US illegally will be waived for those who comply with the voluntary departure process.

Officials said the stipend will be paid once the US government confirms that the individual has departed the country. Migrants who show “meaningful progress” towards leaving will also be deprioritised for arrest or detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though detailed timelines have not been disclosed.

Secretary Noem issued a strong warning to those who do not opt for the programme, stating that undocumented migrants who ignore the offer will be located, arrested and permanently barred from returning to the United States. “If you voluntarily go home now, we will help you do it with dignity and support,” Noem said in a media interaction. “If you wait for enforcement action, you lose any chance of returning legally in the future.”

This Christmas season, the U.S. taxpayer is generously TRIPLING the incentive for illegal aliens to leave voluntarily. Through the end of the year, illegal aliens who self-deport using the CBP Home App can receive a $3,000 exit bonus.

Illegal aliens should take advantage of this… pic.twitter.com/AKQZChPYfZ

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) December 22, 2025

The CBP Home app, which replaces the earlier CBP One platform used during the previous administration for asylum appointments, has been redesigned to facilitate self-deportation. Migrants can register their intent to depart, share travel details, and receive government assistance through the app. DHS said voluntary departures are significantly cheaper than forced removals. As of May 2025, ICE estimated that arresting, detaining and deporting one undocumented migrant costs approximately USD 17,000, making the incentive-based programme more cost-effective.

ALSO READ: Applying For US Tourist Visa? You Could Be Asked To Hand Over Five Years Of Social Media History Under New Proposal

Mixed Reactions And Unverified Numbers

The department claims that since January 2025, around 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the US, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home platform. However, these figures have not been independently verified.

ALSO READ: Trump Admin Slaps Rs 4 Lakh Apprehension Fee On 'Illegal Aliens': Who Will Pay And What It Means | Explained

The initiative has drawn criticism from migrant advocacy groups and religious leaders, who argue that the campaign’s messaging creates fear within immigrant communities. DHS, however, maintains that the programme offers a lawful, orderly, and humane alternative to enforcement-led deportations. The USD 3,000 incentive remains valid only until the end of the calendar year.