Trump Administration Triples Self-Deportation Bonus to $3,000 for Illegal Immigrants Ahead of Christmas
The Trump administration is ramping up its self-deportation program just in time for the holidays. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday that illegal immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States will now receive $3,000 in cash—triple the original offer.
The updated policy, described by Noem as a “gift” to ensure illegal immigrants return home by Christmas, builds on a program launched in May that offered $1,000 to those willing to self-deport. The federal government also covers airfare for those using the CBP Home app to process their departure.
“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 not return,” Noem posted on X.
This Christmas season, the U.S. taxpayer is generously TRIPLING the incentive for illegal aliens to leave voluntarily. Through the end of the year, illegal aliens who self-deport using the CBP Home App can receive a $3,000 exit bonus.
Illegal aliens should take advantage of this… pic.twitter.com/AKQZChPYfZ
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) December 22, 2025
According to the Department of Homeland Security, approximately 1.9 million illegal immigrants have left the country voluntarily since the start of the initiative. It’s unclear how many have used the CBP Home app to claim the payment.
The CBP Home app was developed to streamline the process following the termination of Biden’s CBP One entry program, which allowed over a million illegal immigrants into the U.S. during his tenure. The new app not only coordinates flights but provides a pathway for individuals to legally reapply for entry later—provided they leave under the terms of the self-deportation program.
“If you voluntarily want to go home now to your country, if you’re in the United States of America illegally, we will give you $3,000 through the holidays to send you home,” Noem said. “If you wait until we interdict you and detain you and arrest you and have to deport you ourselves, you’ll never get the chance to come back.”
The enhanced financial incentive is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce the illegal immigrant population without overwhelming detention facilities or prolonging legal proceedings.