US triples 'exit bonus' to $3,000 for migrants in voluntary deportation push

The US Homeland Security Department is temporarily offering a $3,000 stipend, a free flight, and penalty waivers to undocumented migrants who voluntarily self-deport via a mobile app before year's end, citing nearly 2 million departures this year.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary tripling of its financial incentive for voluntary deportation, raising the so-called "exit bonus" from $1,000 to $3,000. The enhanced offer, valid only until December 31, also includes a free flight to the migrant's home country and a waiver of any civil fines for prior failure to depart.

Incentive Tied to Mobile App Registration

To qualify, individuals must register through the official CBP Home mobile app. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that "tens of thousands" have already used this program, and nearly 1.9 million people have voluntarily self-deported since January. She framed the increased payment as a final opportunity, warning, "if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return."