Table of Contents
- Government Announcement
- Program Details
- Results of the Initiative
- Secretary's Statement
- Process Overview
- Consequences of Ignoring the Offer
The United States government has introduced a Christmas self-deportation initiative, providing undocumented immigrants with complimentary flight tickets and a $3,000 cash bonus to voluntarily leave the country before the year's end.
This announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday, December 22, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which cautioned that undocumented immigrants who disregard the offer may face arrest, forced deportation, and a lifetime ban from re-entering the United States.
According to the DHS, undocumented immigrants who enroll in the program before December 31 will receive fully funded travel arrangements to their home countries, along with a $3,000 stipend.
“Undocumented individuals who register for self-deportation 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 stated.
The initiative is being conducted via the CBP Home mobile application, which enables undocumented immigrants to sign up for voluntary departure. Participants will also enjoy waived civil fines and penalties associated with overstaying or previous failures to leave the country.
The DHS reported that the policy has already produced significant outcomes, with a noticeable increase in voluntary departures.
“Since January 2025, approximately 1.9 million undocumented individuals have voluntarily self-deported, with tens of thousands utilizing the CBP Home program,” the statement noted.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the initiative as a temporary goodwill gesture linked to the Christmas season, highlighting that the incentive has been tripled for the holidays.
“During the Christmas season, US taxpayers are generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily, offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but only until the end of the year,” Noem stated.
She warned that those who do not take advantage of the offer would encounter strict enforcement measures.
“Undocumented individuals should seize this opportunity and self-deport. If they don’t, we will locate them, arrest them, and they will never be allowed to return,” she emphasized.
The DHS reassured interested migrants that the process is straightforward and fully managed by the government.
“Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is quick, free, and simple. DHS will handle everything, including travel arrangements,” the department confirmed.
The agency reiterated that undocumented immigrants who ignore the program would face arrest, forced removal, and permanent restrictions on future entry into the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the self-deportation initiative?
The self-deportation initiative is a program offered by the US government to provide undocumented immigrants with free flight tickets and a cash bonus to voluntarily leave the country by the end of the year.
How can undocumented immigrants participate in the program?
Undocumented immigrants can participate by enrolling in the CBP Home mobile application before December 31 to receive travel arrangements and the cash stipend.
What happens if someone ignores the offer?
Individuals who ignore the offer may face arrest, forced deportation, and a lifetime ban from re-entering the United States.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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