US Announces $3,000 and Free Flights for Illegal Immigrants — But There’s a Catch

The Trump administration has sharply increased its incentive for migrants who agree to voluntarily leave the United States. The Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday that the stipend has been raised to $3000, which is triple the previous amount.

The offer applies to people living in the US illegally who commit to signing up for self-deportation through the CBP Home app by the end of the year. In addition to the cash stipend, the government will also provide a free flight to the migrant’s home country, DHS said.

Earlier this year, the administration introduced a revamped mobile application called CBP Home. The app is designed to streamline the voluntary departure process.

Officials framed the program as both an opportunity and a warning. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem urged migrants to accept the offer while it is available.

She said those who refuse to leave voluntarily will face arrest and deportation. According to Noem, individuals removed through enforcement actions will also be permanently banned from returning to the United States.

President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, has made immigration enforcement a central priority. He has pledged to carry out deportations at historic levels.

Although the administration promised to remove 1 million immigrants annually, it has deported about 622,000 people so far this year.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is preparing to escalate its immigration crackdown in 2026. US officials say billions of dollars in new funding are expected to support the effort.

Planned measures include hiring thousands of additional immigration agents, expanding detention capacity, and working with private companies to help locate people living in the country without legal status.