US Offers $3,000, Free Flights to Undocumented Migrants Who Self-Deport Before Year End

US Offers $3,000, Free Flights to Undocumented Migrants Who Self-Deport Before Year End

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a limited-time holiday incentive encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States, offering $3,000 compensation and free airfare to their home countries.

According to a statement released on Monday, migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app before the end of the year will qualify for the incentive, officially known as “Project Homecoming.” Participants will also receive forgiveness of civil fines and penalties linked to their failure to depart the country.

The DHS disclosed that about 1.9 million unauthorized migrants have voluntarily left the US since January 2025, with tens of thousands doing so through the CBP Home programme.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the initiative as a temporary increase in incentives during the holiday season.

READ ALSO:

• Presidency Denies Altering Tax Laws as Reps Probe Alleged Changes to Tinubu-Signed Bills
• Akpabio Raises Hope for Ibadan State Creation During Visit to Olubadan
• Landlord Stabbed to Death Over N1,500 Electricity Bill in Delta Community

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme. 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 also issued a stern warning to undocumented migrants who fail to participate.

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

The Project Homecoming initiative was launched in May 2025 following a presidential proclamation issued by US President Donald Trump. Initially, the DHS proposed a $1,000 incentive and free airfare, but the amount was later increased for the holiday period.

The programme is funded through $250 million reallocated from migrant resettlement funds by the US State Department.

DHS described the CBP Home app process as simple, fast and cost-free, noting that migrants only need to install the app, submit their details, and the government will arrange and cover travel expenses.

The department warned that undocumented migrants who fail to take advantage of the programme risk arrest, forced deportation, and permanent bans on re-entering the United States.

US Offers $3,000, Free Flights to Undocumented Migrants Who Self-Deport Before Year End