Through the updated CBP Home mobile app, eligible individuals can now receive a $2,600 cash bonus (approximately KSh 335,000), more than double the previous $1,000 (KSh 129,000) offered during earlier voluntary departure campaigns.
This initiative is designed to encourage safe, orderly departures without the need for costly enforced deportations.
This initiative is designed to encourage safe, orderly departures without the need for costly enforced deportations.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that over 2.2 million migrants have already taken advantage of voluntary departure programs since January 2025, making it one of the most significant self-deportation efforts in recent US history.
The program’s key appeal lies not only in the cash incentive but also in the convenience and dignity it provides to participants.
The program’s key appeal lies not only in the cash incentive but also in the convenience and dignity it provides to participants.
Migrants who use the CBP Home app can schedule their departure without facing detention, handcuffs, or other restrictive measures.
They are granted time to wrap up personal matters before leaving, ensuring that families and individuals can make a smoother transition.
In addition to the $2,600 bonus, the DHS covers travel costs to the migrant’s home country. Civil fines previously incurred for overstaying in the United States are fully forgiven, removing a major barrier for those hesitant to depart.
In addition to the $2,600 bonus, the DHS covers travel costs to the migrant’s home country. Civil fines previously incurred for overstaying in the United States are fully forgiven, removing a major barrier for those hesitant to depart.
Officials highlight the financial advantages of this approach: enforced deportations can cost over $18,000 per person, while voluntary departures using the new incentive cost roughly $5,100—a savings of over $13,000 per migrant for US taxpayers.
The DHS describes the program as both fiscally prudent and humane, providing an alternative to punitive enforcement while still maintaining the integrity of US immigration laws.
The DHS describes the program as both fiscally prudent and humane, providing an alternative to punitive enforcement while still maintaining the integrity of US immigration laws.
Non-criminal migrants who are not currently detained are prioritized for this program, making it an attractive option for those who wish to leave legally without jeopardizing future opportunities to return lawfully.
The application process is simple. Migrants download the CBP Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, choose a preferred language, and fill out a brief questionnaire along with a recent self-photo. Applicants can also include family members in their submission.
The application process is simple. Migrants download the CBP Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, choose a preferred language, and fill out a brief questionnaire along with a recent self-photo. Applicants can also include family members in their submission.
Once submitted, the information is reviewed, and non-criminal applicants are temporarily deprioritized for arrest or detention, allowing them to depart in a safe and organized manner.
The increased incentive also coincides with the first anniversary of the Trump administration’s return, framed by DHS as a celebratory policy update.
The increased incentive also coincides with the first anniversary of the Trump administration’s return, framed by DHS as a celebratory policy update.
Secretary Noem emphasized that individuals present illegally in the country now have a choice: use the app to take advantage of the support offered, or face fines, potential arrest, and formal deportation proceedings with no opportunity for future return.
Reactions to the program have been mixed. Supporters describe it as a practical, cost-effective, and humane way to manage immigration, reducing the financial and logistical burden on taxpayers while giving migrants a dignified exit option.
Reactions to the program have been mixed. Supporters describe it as a practical, cost-effective, and humane way to manage immigration, reducing the financial and logistical burden on taxpayers while giving migrants a dignified exit option.
Critics, however, argue that offering large cash incentives may be seen as coercive, pressuring vulnerable individuals to leave rather than addressing underlying immigration challenges.
Despite the debate, the DHS maintains that voluntary departure programs save millions of dollars annually and provide a safer, more orderly process than enforced removals.
Despite the debate, the DHS maintains that voluntary departure programs save millions of dollars annually and provide a safer, more orderly process than enforced removals.
With over 675,000 deportations recorded in the past year, this enhanced self-deportation initiative represents a significant step toward balancing efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and human dignity in US immigration policy.