U.S. offers $2,600 ‘exit bonus’ for illegal migrants to self-deport voluntarily

The United States Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) announced a scheme offering financial incentives and free travel to undocumented migrants who choose to leave the country voluntarily, using a government mobile application.

The post on X by the department had promotional posters for free flights to India, Colombia and China.

According to the DHS website, migrants without legal status can register their intention to depart through the CBP Home Mobile App and receive a package of benefits that includes cost-free travel arrangements, a cash payment of $2,600 to assist with resettlement and the cancellation of any outstanding fines incurred for failing to depart following a removal order.

The DHS describes the programme as “a historic opportunity,” stating that those who register and pass a vetting process will be temporarily deprioritised by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detention or enforcement action ahead of their scheduled departure.

The department says the scheme is open to those it terms “non-criminal illegal aliens” and is intended to allow participants to depart “as regular travellers — without arrest, detention, or restraints.” The DHS website states that the app gives migrants the opportunity to “wrap up work, school and personal matters and organise their return in an orderly and lawful way.”

Those who opt for this may depart to their country of origin or to another country in which they hold lawful status. The DHS says that once a request for assistance is made, a timely departure will be arranged on the individual’s behalf.

The announcement comes amid the Trump administration’s broader effort to increase immigration enforcement across the country. The voluntary departure scheme represents an alternative track to forced removal, though critics have questioned whether those in the country without legal status will trust government assurances of safe passage given the current enforcement climate.

The DHS has not stated how many people have so far registered through the CBP Home Mobile App or how long the offer will remain in place.