U.S. provides $2,600 ‘exit bonus’ for unlawful migrants to self-deport voluntarily

America Division of Homeland Safety on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) introduced a scheme providing monetary incentives and free journey to undocumented migrants who select to go away the nation voluntarily, utilizing a authorities cell software.

The submit on X by the division had promotional posters without spending a dime flights to India, Colombia and China.

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Based on the DHS web site, migrants with out authorized standing can register their intention to depart by means of the CBP Dwelling Cellular App and obtain a package deal of advantages that features cost-free journey preparations, a money cost of $2,600 to help with resettlement and the cancellation of any excellent fines incurred for failing to depart following a elimination order.

The DHS describes the programme as “a historic alternative,” stating that those that register and go a vetting course of shall be quickly deprioritised by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detention or enforcement motion forward of their scheduled departure.

The division says the scheme is open to these it phrases “non-criminal unlawful aliens” and is meant to permit individuals to depart “as common travellers — with out arrest, detention, or restraints.” The DHS web site states that the app offers migrants the chance to “wrap up work, faculty and private issues and organise their return in an orderly and lawful method.”

Those that go for this will likely depart to their nation of origin or to a different nation wherein they maintain lawful standing. The DHS says that when a request for help is made, a well timed departure shall be organized on the person’s behalf.

The announcement comes amid the Trump administration’s broader effort to extend immigration enforcement throughout the nation. The voluntary departure scheme represents an alternate observe to compelled elimination, although critics have questioned whether or not these within the nation with out authorized standing will belief authorities assurances of secure passage given the present enforcement local weather.

The DHS has not acknowledged how many individuals have up to now registered by means of the CBP Dwelling Cellular App or how lengthy the provide will stay in place.