The United States government has announced a temporary incentive programme offering $3,000 to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the country before the end of the year.
In a statement released on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said migrants who register through the CBP Home app by December 31 will receive a free flight to their home country and a $3,000 stipend.
Any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States will also be waived for participants.
According to DHS data, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the United States since January 2025, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home self-deportation programme.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive was temporarily increased during the Christmas season.
“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” Noem said.
She issued a warning to migrants who refuse to participate, stating that those who remain illegally would face arrest, deportation, and permanent bans from returning to the United States.
The initiative, known as Project Homecoming, was launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation by Donald Trump.
The programme initially offered a $1,000 incentive alongside free travel but was expanded during the holiday period.
To fund the flights and exit bonuses, the US State Department reallocated $250 million originally designated for refugee resettlement.
DHS described the CBP Home app as a fast and free process that allows migrants to submit their information while the government arranges and covers travel costs.
Officials stressed that migrants who ignore the offer risk enforcement actions, including detention and long-term immigration restrictions.