Trump Administration Increases Payment to $2,600 for Undocumented Immigrants Leaving the U.S. Voluntarily

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DHS Increases Incentives for Voluntary Departure

as of January 22, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has significantly increased financial incentives for individuals voluntarily leaving the United states. The program, utilizing the CBP Home app, now offers up to $2,600 and a free flight to a country where the individual has legal status. This represents a significant increase from the previous incentive of $1,000.

Program Details and Rationale

The increased incentive is part of a broader strategy to manage border security and reduce the financial burden of deportations. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the program encourages individuals without legal status to self-deport.”We want to provide a pathway for those who wish to return to their home countries or establish themselves elsewhere legally,” stated Secretary Noem in a DHS press release. “This is a more cost-effective and humane approach than forced removal.”

The DHS estimates the average cost of a single deportation to be $18,245 (ICE FOIA Request – 2023 Data). By offering a $2,600 incentive, the estimated cost of a voluntary departure drops to $5,100, resulting in a savings of over $13,000 per individual.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals eligible for the incentive must:

  • Utilize the CBP Home app to register their intention to depart.
  • Not have a criminal record.
  • Cooperate with DHS investigations.

Families can apply together through a single session or email account on the CBP Home app. Furthermore, individuals who submit their intention to depart and pass the initial inquiry will have their priority for detention or law enforcement action temporarily removed pending their scheduled departure.

Additional Benefits

Beyond the financial incentive and free flight, the DHS is also offering to waive civil fines for individuals who have overstayed their visas or failed to comply with previous removal orders. This includes any associated penalties for non-departure.

How to Apply Through CBP Home

the CBP Home app provides a streamlined process for individuals to express their intent to leave the United States voluntarily. The steps include:

  1. Download and install the CBP Home app.
  2. Create an account and provide the required data.
  3. Submit a declaration of intent to depart.
  4. Cooperate with any follow-up investigations by DHS.
  5. Schedule a departure date and recieve travel arrangements.

recent Program Usage

as its launch, the CBP Home app has gained nearly 100,000 users. During the first year of Donald Trump’s second term (2025-2026), over 675,000 deportations were carried out (ICE Statistics and Facts).DHS officials hope the increased incentive will significantly increase the number of voluntary departures and reduce the strain on deportation resources.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHS has increased the incentive for voluntary departure to $2,600 plus a free flight.
  • The program aims to reduce the cost of deportations and offer a humane alternative.
  • Eligibility requires using the CBP Home app and not having a criminal record.
  • Civil fines for overstays and non-compliance with removal orders may be waived.

This program represents a meaningful shift in the DHS’s approach to managing individuals without legal status. The long-term impact of the increased incentives remains to be seen, but it is expected to influence future immigration enforcement policies and resource allocation.

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