In a fresh push to accelerate deportations during the holiday season, the administration of Donald Trump has announced a new incentive for undocumented immigrants to leave the United States voluntarily. The offer includes a $3,000 cash stipend (around ₹2.7 lakh) along with fully paid travel for those who agree to depart before the end of the year.
The initiative, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, is being positioned as a cost-cutting alternative to large-scale enforcement operations. Undocumented migrants who register through the CBP Home app by the year-end deadline will qualify not only for the payment and travel assistance, but also for waivers on civil fines and penalties linked to overstaying or failing to leave the country earlier.
Higher payout, tighter warning
The latest incentive triples the $1,000 self-deportation payment announced by the Trump campaign in May, signalling a more aggressive approach as the administration seeks to speed up removals while reducing detention and legal expenses.
In its official statement, DHS described voluntary departure as the “fastest and easiest” option for undocumented migrants. The department warned that those who ignore the offer would face arrest, forced deportation, and permanent bans on re-entering the United States.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed the message, calling the scheme a “holiday gift” and urging migrants to take advantage of it. She said enforcement agencies would intensify efforts against those who remain in the country unlawfully after the deadline.
Voluntary exits on the rise
According to DHS data, around 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the US, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home app since January 2025. Officials argue that self-deportation reduces strain on the immigration system while delivering quicker outcomes than court-led removals.
Critics, however, are expected to question the ethics and long-term impact of offering cash incentives alongside strict enforcement threats, especially during the holiday season. Supporters within the administration maintain that the policy provides a clear choice—leave voluntarily with assistance or face uncompromising enforcement.
The announcement adds a new chapter to the Trump administration’s hardline immigration agenda, combining financial inducements with sharp warnings as it seeks to reshape how deportations are carried out in the United States.
