Accept free flights, $3,000 cash to leave or risk arrest – US tells illegal immigrants

The United States government has announced a Christmas self-deportation incentive, offering undocumented immigrants free flight tickets and a $3,000 cash bonus to voluntarily leave the country before the end of the year.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, December 22, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which warned that undocumented immigrants who ignore the offer risk arrest, forced deportation, and a lifetime ban from re-entering the United States.

According to the DHS, undocumented immigrants who enrol in the programme before December 31 will receive fully funded travel arrangements to their home countries, along with a $3,000 stipend.

“Illegal aliens who sign up to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend in addition to a free flight home,” the department said.

The initiative is being implemented through the CBP Home mobile application, which allows undocumented immigrants to register for voluntary departure. Participants will also benefit from waived civil fines and penalties related to overstaying or previous failure to leave the country.

DHS said the policy has already yielded significant results, with a marked increase in voluntary departures.

“Since January 2025, approximately 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme,” the statement said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the initiative as a temporary goodwill gesture tied to the Christmas season, noting that the incentive had been tripled for the holidays.

“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily, offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but only until the end of the year,” Noem said.

She warned that those who fail to take advantage of the offer would face strict enforcement measures.

“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport. If they don’t, we will find them, arrest them, and they will never return,” she said.

The DHS assured interested migrants that the process is straightforward and fully handled by the government.

“Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is fast, free, and easy. DHS will take care of everything, including travel arrangements,” the department said.

The agency reiterated that undocumented immigrants who ignore the programme would be subject to arrest, forced removal, and permanent restrictions on future entry into the United States.

Accept free flights, $3,000 cash to leave or risk arrest – US tells illegal immigrants