The US government announced that it will give $3,000 to illegal immigrants who agree to voluntary deportation. It’s a significant increase in the financial incentive offered to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the country. The authorities are tripling the payment for those who depart before the end of the year and register their exit through the official CBP Home application.
The measure, confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), raises the previous incentive of $1,000. Is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing the number of forced deportations and lowering the high costs associated with immigration enforcement operations. Federal officials say the policy is designed to encourage voluntary departures as a more efficient alternative to traditional removal proceedings.
The U.S. offers 3,000 dollars for voluntary deportations
Under the program, individuals without legal status must notify authorities of their intent to leave the United States through the CBP Home app and later confirm that they have exited the country. The $3,000 payment is issued only after the departure has been verified. In certain cases, the program also includes logistical support
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Airline tickets to the participant’s country of origin
According to DHS, the initiative represents a cost-saving measure for taxpayers. Officials note that carrying out a forced deportation can be significantly more expensive than facilitating a voluntary return. Particularly when accounting for detention, transportation, and administrative expenses. The policy is also intended to ease pressure on the immigration system at a time when border crossings remain high and immigration courts face substantial backlogs.
The announcement, however, has drawn criticism from migrant advocacy organizations. Some groups warn of potential administrative problems, including delays in processing applications or issuing payments. Others question whether sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure that participants receive the promised compensation after leaving the country.
Advocates also argue that the financial incentive does little to address the root causes of migration, such as violence, economic instability, and limited opportunities in migrants’ home countries.
The expanded incentive is part of a federal initiative known as Project Homecoming, launched by the current administration to promote voluntary departures as an alternative to forced deportations.
According to the U.S. government, the $3,000 benefit to voluntary deportations will remain available through the end of the year, as officials continue to balance enforcement priorities with efforts to manage migration more efficiently.
