The Trump administration has dramatically increased a financial incentive for migrants to leave the United States voluntarily, tripling the payment to $3,000 alongside a free flight home. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the enhanced offer on Monday 22 December 2025, stating it is available to individuals without legal status who agree to depart before the year concludes.
A "Gift" and a Warning from DHS
Unveiling the policy, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a blunt ultimatum. She urged those in the country illegally to "take advantage of this gift and self-deport," cautioning that failure to do so would lead to arrest and a permanent bar from returning. This move is part of a broader intensification of immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump, who pledged mass deportations at the start of his presidency.
The Technology and Cost Behind the Strategy
Central to this initiative is the rebranded CBP Home app, designed to streamline the voluntary departure process. Once downloaded, users select a language and choose between options like "I'm Ready to Leave the U.S." After submitting personal details and a selfie, they are told someone will contact them. The app prominently advertises the financial incentive, previously termed an "exit bonus."
The push for self-deportation is also a financial calculation for the government. DHS reported in May that the average cost to apprehend, detain, and formally deport an individual is roughly $17,000. The $3,000 stipend represents a significant saving by comparison. To support more aggressive enforcement, the administration aims to hire 10,000 new deportation officers by year's end and is securing billions in funding for 2026 plans, which include new detention centres and partnerships with private firms to locate undocumented migrants.
Controversy and Risks of Voluntary Departure
Despite the administration's efforts, the approach faces criticism. Immigration law experts warn that many migrants may be directed to use the CBP Home app without fully grasping that self-deportation is not risk-free and can have long-term consequences for future immigration applications. Furthermore, analysts note that harsh policies are making migration routes more dangerous.
While President Trump vowed to remove one million immigrants annually, his administration has overseen the deportation of approximately 622,000 individuals this year. The substantial increase in the cash incentive signals a determined push to boost those numbers before the new year, setting the stage for an even more assertive immigration strategy in 2026.
