DHS Raises Self-Deportation Bonus to $2,600

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased its financial incentive for undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States. The new “exit bonus” has been raised from $1,000 to $2,600.

According to DHS, the increased stipend applies to individuals who use the CBP Home App to arrange their departure. Officials said participants may also receive free travel support, possible forgiveness of penalties for failing to depart, and the cash bonus to help them return to their home country or another nation where they have legal status.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that around 2.2 million people have voluntarily left through self-deportation efforts, and nearly 100,000 people used the app during the past year.

DHS also noted that voluntary departures may reduce government expenses. The department reported that the average cost of arresting, detaining, and removing someone has increased to $18,245, compared to last year’s reported figure of $17,121.

Experts say voluntary return programs can help avoid lengthy negotiations with foreign governments, especially in cases where countries are slow to accept their citizens back. However, past research suggests such programs often struggle to convince large numbers of migrants to leave, and it remains uncertain whether participants stay in their home countries afterward.

The announcement comes during a period of heightened immigration enforcement activities in several major U.S. cities.