The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant increase in its incentive program for undocumented immigrants who choose to deport themselves during the holiday season, raising the payment to $3,000 per individual. This move comes under the stricter immigration policies implemented during former President Donald Trump’s administration, where the department previously offered $1,000 along with free travel assistance for voluntary departures.
DHS officials have emphasized that this initiative not only serves as a financial incentive for undocumented individuals but also helps the government avoid the substantial costs associated with the arrest, detention, and removal of immigrants, which can exceed $17,000 per person.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem remarked that taxpayers are “generously” funding these tripled exit bonuses through the end of the year, encouraging individuals without legal authority to take advantage of this opportunity to voluntarily leave the country. She warned that failure to self-deport could lead to their detention and permanent barring from reentry.
Moreover, the program allows those who self-deport the possibility of returning to the U.S. legally in the future, a notable difference from being forcibly removed. To facilitate this process, undocumented immigrants are encouraged to utilize the CBP Home app for a smoother self-deportation experience.
According to DHS officials, approximately 1.9 million undocumented immigrants have exited the United States this year, a number that reflects the challenges in verifying voluntary departures. Tens of thousands have reportedly engaged with the CBP Home app to assist their self-deportation processes. Additionally, the Center for Immigration Studies has estimated a notable decrease of 2.2 million foreign-born individuals in the first half of the year, marking the most significant drop in decades.
This initiative exemplifies the ongoing complex dynamics of immigration policy in the United States, highlighting both the government’s attempts to manage undocumented immigration and the potential paths available for those seeking to return through legal means in the future.