US Offers $3,000 Incentive to Undocumented Migrants for Voluntary Departure

The United States government has introduced a temporary incentive programme offering undocumented migrants financial support and free travel if they voluntarily leave the country before the end of the year.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that eligible migrants who register through the CBP Home mobile application will receive a $3,000 cash incentive along with a government-funded flight to their country of origin. The offer is described as a limited-time measure tied to the holiday season.

According to DHS, participants in the programme will also be granted forgiveness for certain civil fines and penalties associated with immigration violations, including failure to depart the United States as required.

Government data show that voluntary departures have increased significantly in 2025. Since January, about 1.9 million undocumented migrants are reported to have left the country, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home platform to coordinate their exit.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incentive was temporarily increased to encourage faster participation before the year ends, warning that migrants who fail to take advantage of the offer could face arrest and long-term bans on re-entry.

The initiative operates under “Project Homecoming,” a programme launched in May 2025 following a presidential directive by President Donald Trump. The project prioritises self-deportation as a means of reducing the undocumented migrant population.

To finance the programme, the U.S. government redirected $250 million initially allocated for refugee resettlement to cover travel expenses and cash incentives. DHS stated that the CBP Home process is designed to be fast and free, with the government handling all travel arrangements for approved applicants.