Accept Free Flights and $3,000 Cash to Leave or Face Arrest, US Warns Undocumented Immigrants
The United States government has unveiled a Christmas-themed self-deportation incentive, offering undocumented immigrants complimentary free flights tickets and a $3,000 cash payment if they voluntarily exit the country before the end of the year.
The policy was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, December 22, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency cautioned that undocumented immigrants who decline the offer could face arrest, compulsory deportation, and a permanent ban from returning to the United States, PulseNets learnt.
Details obtained by PulseNets indicate that undocumented immigrants who enrol in the programme on or before December 31 will qualify for government-funded travel back to their countries of origin, in addition to a $3,000 stipend.
“Undocumented migrants who choose to self-deport using the CBP Home application before the year ends will be provided a $3,000 incentive alongside a fully paid flight home,” DHS stated.
The initiative is being rolled out through the CBP Home mobile app, a platform designed to enable undocumented immigrants to formally register for voluntary departure. Those who participate will also have certain civil penalties waived, including fines associated with overstaying visas or failing to depart after previous removal orders.
PulseNets reported that DHS confirmed the policy is already recording notable outcomes, with voluntary departures rising significantly in recent months.
“From January 2025 to date, about 1.9 million undocumented individuals have voluntarily left the United States, with tens of thousands opting into the CBP Home self-deportation process,” the department disclosed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the move as a limited-time goodwill gesture linked to the Christmas season, explaining that the financial incentive had been increased specifically for the holidays.
“In the spirit of Christmas, American taxpayers are temporarily tripling the incentive for voluntary departure, providing a $3,000 exit bonus, but only until the end of this year,” Noem said.
She stressed that undocumented immigrants who ignore the offer would be met with strict enforcement actions once the window closes.
“This is an opportunity to leave voluntarily. Those who refuse should understand that we will locate them, detain them, and they will not be allowed to return to the United States,” she warned.
According to information shared with PulseNets, DHS reassured potential participants that the process is simple and fully coordinated by the government.
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“Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is straightforward, cost-free, and efficient. DHS manages the entire process, including travel logistics,” the agency noted.
The department reiterated that undocumented immigrants who fail to take advantage of the programme would be subjected to arrest, forced removal, and permanent entry restrictions under US immigration law.
