‘$3,000 to leave now’: DHS offers ‘Christmas gift’ to illegal aliens who self-deport — how to claim it?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering illegal immigrants in the United States a $3,000 “exit bonus” to encourage and promote more voluntary self-deportations by year's end.

Under the program, participants who sign up through the CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) Home app will receive the stipend, a free flight home, and forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for overstaying.




DHS Secretary Kristi Noem put out the number of people self-deporting and how it is beneficial for both the individual and the nation: “Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program. During the Christmas season, the U.S. taxpayer is tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily — offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year.”

She said that aliens should take advantage of the offer as soon as possible: “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.”

DHS said the self-deportation process is simple. Applicants download the CBP Home app, fill out their information, and the agency arranges and pays for travel back home. Those who do not participate face arrest, deportation, and permanent ineligibility to return to the United States, according to DHS.