The United States government has announced a new immigration incentive programme offering undocumented migrants up to $3,000, along with free airfare, if they voluntarily leave the country under a self-deportation scheme before the end of the year.
According to U.S. authorities, the payment—tripled from a previous $1,000 offer—is part of efforts to encourage voluntary departures as Washington intensifies immigration enforcement.
The programme is being coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and targets migrants without legal status currently living in the U.S.
Officials said participants must register through a government-managed digital platform known as the CBP Home app, which was previously used for asylum-related appointments.
Migrants who sign up, complete their departure, and are verified by U.S. authorities will receive the $3,000 payment and a government-funded flight to their home country.
The DHS described the initiative as a cost-saving alternative to forced deportations, which it estimates can cost the U.S. government over $17,000 per person when detention, legal processing, and transportation are included.
The policy has been framed by U.S. officials as a temporary, end-of-year incentive, with the increased payment available to migrants who complete their voluntary exit before December 31.
Authorities warned that undocumented migrants who decline the offer could face stricter enforcement actions, including arrest and removal.
The announcement comes amid a broader immigration crackdown under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prioritised border control and tougher interior enforcement.
U.S. officials say millions of migrants have already left the country voluntarily in recent months, though independent verification of those figures remains limited.
