Trump administration triples self-deportation bonus for immigrants
by Danielle Haynes · UPIDec. 22 (UPI) -- The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday it's increasing the stipend it's offering to undocumented immigrants if they self-deport by the end of 2025.
The so-called exit bonus will be tripled from $1,000 to $3,000 if a person self-deports through Customs and Border Patrol.
"Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program," a statement from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said.
"During the Christmas season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally -- offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year. 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."
The Trump administration began the stipend program in May as a way to incentivize undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country. The administration described the program as a "concierge service."
The DHS created a CPB Home app that allows people to fill out their information, "and DHS will take care of the rest -- including arranging and paying for your travel back home."
Those who volunteer for deportation will also be forgiven any civil fines or penalties they owe for overstaying their visas, The Hill reported.
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Former President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on January 2, 2025. The Presidential Citizens Medal is bestowed to individuals who have performed exemplary deeds or services. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo