A surprising initiative is underway, offering a pathway – and a significant incentive – for individuals residing in the United States without legal authorization to return to their countries of origin.
The Department of Homeland Security is currently offering $3,000 and complimentary airfare to those who register for voluntary departure through the CBP One app before the year’s end. This represents a substantial increase from the $1,000 previously offered under a prior administration.
This program isn’t simply about leaving; it offers a clean slate. Individuals who utilize the CBP One app for self-deportation are also eligible for the waiver of any existing civil fines or penalties associated with overstaying their visas or entering the country without authorization.
Officials have framed the offer as a beneficial opportunity, suggesting it’s a chance for individuals to positively impact their futures and those of their families. The message is clear: voluntary departure is presented as the most advantageous course of action.
The alternative, according to statements released, is potential arrest and deportation, coupled with a permanent ban from re-entering the United States. This creates a stark choice for those currently in the country without legal status.
The program builds upon existing efforts to encourage voluntary departures. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly two million individuals have already chosen to self-deport, with tens of thousands utilizing the CBP One app to facilitate the process.
The current tripling of the financial incentive is a limited-time offer, specifically timed to coincide with the holiday season. The aim is to encourage a surge in voluntary departures before the end of the calendar year.
