The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased its financial incentive for illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the United States through its self-deportation program. Individuals who register with the CBP Home app and depart by December 31, 2025, are eligible to receive a $3,000 stipend, free airfare to their home countries, and possible waivers for certain civil fines or penalties.
The initiative is part of a holiday-season effort to encourage voluntary departures and reduce enforcement costs. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the consequences for those who decline to participate, stating, “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.”
The CBP Home app enables illegal aliens to register their intent to depart and qualify for the stipend once the government confirms their exit. DHS officials noted that voluntary departures are significantly less expensive than traditional detention and removal, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per case.
The expanded incentive remains available through the end of the year.
