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The Department of Homeland Security announced a new incentive program encouraging people in the country illegally to voluntarily leave the United States, offering a $2,600 stipend and a free flight home for those who self-deport using the Customs and Border Protection Home app.
The expanded offer builds on an earlier voluntary departure initiative and comes as President Donald Trump enters his second year back in office. Eligible participants who register through the app will receive the stipend upon departure, along with government-arranged transportation.
Participants may also qualify for forgiveness of certain civil fines and penalties tied to failing to depart the country, according to DHS.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the program is intended to reduce enforcement costs while accelerating removals.
“Since January 2025, 2.2 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program,” Noem said. “To celebrate one year of this administration, the U.S. taxpayer is generously increasing the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally, offering a $2,600 exit bonus.”
Noem warned that those who decline the offer could face arrest and removal.
“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,” she said.
DHS said the average cost of an enforced deportation is $18,245. By comparison, the department estimates the cost of a self-deportation through the app, including the stipend and travel, at about $5,100, a savings of more than $13,000 per case.
Nearly 100,000 people have already used the CBP Home app, DHS said, which allows users to submit departure information and coordinate travel directly with the department.
More than 675,000 deportations were carried out during President Trump’s first year back in office. DHS began offering a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance for voluntary departures in May 2025, later increasing the amount to $3,000 for a limited time during a holiday-season campaign.