US triples bonus to $3,000 for migrants who sign up for self-deportation

The US Department of Homeland Security has raised the financial incentive for undocumented immigrants from $1,000 to $3,000 and provide a free plane ticket out of America if they register by the end of the year for self-deportation on the CBP One app.

A statement released by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday said undocumented migrants who register to self-deport before December 31 will be eligible for the cash incentive, government-funded travel to their home countries, and a waiver of civil fines or penalties related to overstaying.

SELF-DEPORTATION PROCESS EXPLAINED

DHS described self-deportation as a fast, free, and easy process, saying users need only download the app, submit their information and allow the department to arrange and pay for their travel.

Those who do not opt in, the department warned, will be arrested, deported and permanently barred from re-entry.

The expanded incentive is part of an immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, who has made stricter enforcement a cornerstone of his second term.

DHS said the self-deportation programme could cut deportation costs by nearly 70 percent. As of May, the average cost to arrest, detain and remove an undocumented immigrant stood at $17,121.

NOEM CALLS OFFER LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITY

"The US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, calling the offer a limited-time opportunity during the holiday season.

"Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport," Noem said. "Because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return."

Since January 2025, about 1.9 million undocumented immigrants have voluntarily left the US, according to DHS, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme. Officials said participants are also eligible for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties tied to overstaying or failing to depart.

Earlier this year, the department introduced financial and travel assistance through the CBP Home app, paying the original $1,000 stipend after a participant’s return was confirmed.

- Ends

With inputs from agencies

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