The Trump administration has sharply increased its incentive for migrants who agree to voluntarily leave the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday. Under the updated program, migrants will receive $3,000, triple the previous stipend, along with a free flight back to their home country.
The program targets individuals living in the U.S. illegally who sign up for self-deportation through the CBP Home app by the end of the year. The initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline the voluntary departure process and reduce the number of undocumented immigrants through legal channels.
CBP Home App Streamlines Voluntary Departure
Earlier this year, the administration launched the revamped CBP Home mobile application, which simplifies registration for voluntary departure and provides step-by-step guidance for migrants seeking to leave the U.S. lawfully.
Officials Frame Program as Opportunity and Warning
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem urged migrants to take advantage of the offer while it lasts, emphasizing that those who refuse to leave voluntarily will face arrest and formal deportation. Individuals removed through enforcement actions are also permanently barred from reentry into the United States, Noem added.
Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Priorities
Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement a central focus. He pledged to remove 1 million undocumented immigrants annually. So far this year, approximately 622,000 people have been deported.
Officials say the administration is preparing to escalate its immigration crackdown in 2026, with billions of dollars in new funding to expand enforcement. Planned measures include:
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Hiring thousands of additional immigration agents
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Expanding detention capacity
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Partnering with private companies to track undocumented migrants
Why This Matters
The enhanced voluntary departure incentive reflects a strategic shift in U.S. immigration policy, combining financial incentives with strict enforcement to encourage self-deportation while maintaining the threat of legal action for noncompliance.
