DHS Increases Incentive for Self-Deportation
Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has announced a rise in the financial “exit bonus” for undocumented immigrants opting to self-deport using the CBP Home app. The bonus has increased to $2,600, up from a previous amount of $1,000.
This change follows an earlier announcement from December when the DHS offered a temporary “holiday-season” incentive of $3,000 for individuals who departed by the end of 2025. However, that offer is no longer available.
The latest adjustment is part of a broader initiative called “Project Homecoming,” aimed at simplifying the removal process. The program seeks to encourage voluntary departures by providing cash stipends and travel arrangements, deemed a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods such as arrest, detention, and enforced deportation.
According to DHS estimates, the expense for a voluntary exit through the app is around $5,100 per person. In contrast, the percentage for standard enforced deportations is roughly $18,245, making it a savings of $13,145 when using the app.
During a press briefing recently, officials indicated that if one million people took advantage of the app instead of facing enforced removals, it could save American taxpayers over $13 billion.
Noem shared on social media that since January 2025, approximately 2.2 million undocumented immigrants have self-deported, including many utilizing the CBP Home app. “To celebrate one year of this administration, the U.S. taxpayer is generously increasing the incentive to leave voluntarily,” she stated, promoting the new $2,600 exit bonus.
However, Noem warned those who may resist accepting this option. She emphasized that remaining in the country illegally would mean facing enforced removal, 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 assists users in arranging their travel, confirming their departure, and obtaining the financial bonus once they have exited the country. The streamlined process reportedly makes it easy to navigate, as potential users only need to provide their information, and follow-up arrangements will be made by the DHS.
In summary, the increased incentive marks a significant step in the current administration’s approach to immigration policy, aiming to reduce costs and facilitate voluntary departures.
