US triples incentive for voluntary migrant departures before year-end
The United States government has announced it will triple the financial incentive for undocumented migrants who choose to leave the country voluntarily before 31 December.
On Monday, December 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would offer up to $3,000 per person, along with return flights. The measure applies to individuals who have not been detained by immigration authorities, as well as those currently held but facing no criminal charges.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the temporary “departure bonus” aims to facilitate voluntary returns during the holiday period. “If you wish to return voluntarily to your country of origin and are illegally present in the US, we will provide $3,000 and a plane ticket to help you get home,” Noem told Fox News. She emphasised that the programme is valid only until the end of the year.
The initiative follows an earlier scheme announced in May, which offered $1,000 and a return flight for migrants opting for voluntary departure. Noem stressed that those who wait to be intercepted, detained, or deported through enforcement channels may lose the opportunity to return legally in the future.
Migrants seeking to participate are advised to download and use the official CBP Home app to coordinate their departures. The DHS has indicated it will prioritise ensuring participants reach their home countries in time for Christmas, framing the programme as a combination of logistical support and financial incentive aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance with immigration rules.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
