Rs 2.7 lakh cash and free flight: Donald Trump’s Christmas offer to illegal migrants to leave US

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The Trump administration is offering undocumented immigrants $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport via the CBP Home app by year-end, aiming to cut enforcement costs. Those who refuse face arrest, deportation, and a permanent ban from the US.

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The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced a Christmas season incentive encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the United States voluntarily, offering cash payments and paid travel as part of a wider effort to speed up deportations and cut enforcement costs.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said undocumented migrants who register to self-deport through the US Customs and Border Protection Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, around Rs 2,70,738, along with a free flight out of the country.

“Illegal aliens who sign up to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend in addition to a free flight home,” DHS said. It added that participants would also qualify for forgiveness of civil fines or penalties linked to overstaying.

The incentive is three times higher than the $1,000 payment announced in May. Officials said the move is designed to encourage faster departures while reducing the cost of arrests, detention and forced deportations.

Promoting the scheme, DHS said, “Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is the best gift that an illegal alien can give themselves and their families this holiday season.” It added, “It’s a fast, free and easy process.”

At the same time, the department issued a clear warning to those who ignore the offer. “Those illegal aliens who don’t take advantage of this special offer today have only one alternative. They will be arrested, deported, and they will never be able to return to the United States,” the statement said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed the message, urging undocumented migrants to accept what she described as a “gift”.

“If they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” Noem said.

According to DHS, around 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the United States so far, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home app since January 2025.