US Offers Money to Help Migrants Leave the Country

The U.S. government is offering money to people who are in the country without papers and agree to leave. They can get up to $2,600 to help them go back to their home country. This is done using a phone app.
By Newsroom | Immigration, United States |

A program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has offered financial incentives to undocumented migrants, encouraging them to leave the United States voluntarily. This initiative, framed as a "self-deportation" program, offers a stipend of $2,600 to individuals who agree to depart. The timing of these offers, particularly one coinciding with Valentine's Day, and the stated purpose of reducing undocumented populations, have drawn significant attention and discussion. The program utilizes the CBP Home Mobile App for processing these voluntary departures.

CBP Offers $2,600 to Immigrants to Self Deport on Valentine's Day Amid Imminent Shut Down Due to Lack of Funding - 1

Background and Program Details

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through CBP, has implemented a program designed to facilitate voluntary departures for individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status. This initiative has seen fluctuating stipend amounts and has been promoted through various campaigns.

CBP Offers $2,600 to Immigrants to Self Deport on Valentine's Day Amid Imminent Shut Down Due to Lack of Funding - 2

  • The program offers financial assistance to migrants who agree to leave the U.S. voluntarily.

  • The CBP Home Mobile App is the primary platform for individuals to register their intent to depart.

  • Incentives have varied, with a $1,000 stipend previously offered, and later increased to $2,600.

  • A special holiday campaign in December 2025 offered a $3,000 stipend, valid until the end of the year.

  • Participation in the program reportedly includes the stipulation that individuals will not be able to return to the United States.

Program Evolution and Messaging

The "self-deportation" initiative has seen an evolution in both its financial offerings and its public messaging.

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CBP Offers $2,600 to Immigrants to Self Deport on Valentine's Day Amid Imminent Shut Down Due to Lack of Funding - 3

  • Stipend Increases: The incentive was initially $1,000 and was later raised to $2,600. This increase was announced in January 2026.

  • Holiday Promotions: A $3,000 stipend was offered during the 2025 holiday season, described as a temporary increase.

  • Valentine's Day Messaging: A recent communication on Valentine's Day urged migrants to "Self Deport Today" and spend the holiday "with the one you love," using a festive font. This message was shared on the X platform.

  • DHS Stated Goals: DHS has framed the stipend as a cost-saving measure, suggesting that travel support is less expensive than traditional detention and deportation operations.

Implementation and User Engagement

The CBP Home Mobile App serves as the central mechanism for individuals to engage with the self-deportation program.

  • App Functionality: The app allows users to notify the government of their intent to leave the country, among other CBP services.

  • User Numbers: DHS reports that nearly 100,000 users have utilized the CBP Home app for various services.

  • Incentives for Use: Using the app to self-deport reportedly qualifies recipients for the forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to their failure to depart.

Official Statements and Framing

Officials have presented the program as a benefit to both the migrants and U.S. taxpayers.

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"The U.S. taxpayer is generously increasing the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally- offering a $2,600 exit bonus." - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

"Self-deportation through the CBP Home app is the best New Year’s resolution that an illegal alien can accomplish." - DHS Statement

"If you 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." - DHS Statement

Criticism and Counterpoints

The program has not been without scrutiny, particularly regarding the efficacy and interpretation of data related to immigration figures.

  • Data Reliability: A report from the Brookings Institution questioned the reliability of DHS data, stating it "should not be considered a serious source."

  • Program Effectiveness: Advocates have expressed concerns that certain enforcement tactics may have been overly aggressive.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, via Customs and Border Protection, continues to utilize financial incentives, such as the $2,600 stipend, to encourage voluntary departures from the country. This program, managed through the CBP Home Mobile App, has been promoted with varying messaging, including seasonal campaigns and specific holiday appeals. While DHS emphasizes the cost-saving benefits and ease of process, questions regarding the data used to support such initiatives and broader immigration enforcement strategies remain points of discussion.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the US government offering migrants?
The US government is offering money, up to $2,600, to migrants who agree to leave the country on their own. This is part of a program to help them go back home.
Q: How do migrants get this money?
Migrants can use a phone app called the CBP Home Mobile App to sign up for this offer. They need to agree to leave the country to get the payment.
Q: Why is the government doing this?
The government says this program helps save money compared to other ways of sending people back. It also helps reduce the number of people in the country without legal papers.