US offers $2,600 'exit bonus' for undocumented migrants who leave voluntarily
In a post on X on yesterday (17 March), the department promoted the scheme with posters advertising free flights to countries including India, Colombia and China
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new programme offering financial incentives and free travel for undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States using a government mobile application.
In a post on X on yesterday (17 March), the department promoted the scheme with posters advertising free flights to countries including India, Colombia and China.
According to information published on the DHS website, migrants who do not have legal status in the US can register their intention to depart through the CBP Home Mobile App.
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Those who enrol may receive a benefits package that includes free travel arrangements, a cash payment of $2,600 to support their resettlement, and the cancellation of any outstanding fines imposed for failing to leave the country after a removal order.
The DHS described the initiative as "a historic opportunity," stating that migrants who register and successfully pass a vetting process will be temporarily deprioritised for detention or enforcement action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until their scheduled departure.
The programme is open to individuals the department refers to as "non-criminal illegal aliens." Officials say the scheme is designed to allow participants to depart "as regular travellers – without arrest, detention, or restraints."
The DHS website adds that the application allows migrants to "wrap up work, school and personal matters and organise their return in an orderly and lawful way."
Participants may travel either to their country of origin or to another country where they hold lawful status. Once a request for assistance is submitted through the app, the department says arrangements will be made to facilitate a timely departure.
The announcement comes as the administration of Donald Trump intensifies immigration enforcement measures nationwide, reports The Hindu.
The DHS has not disclosed how many migrants have registered through the app so far or how long the programme will remain available.
