Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem unveiled an ambitious new incentive for illegal immigrants considering self-deportation. Announced on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to offer a $3,000 stipend to those who take advantage of the CBP Home app by the end of the year. This program provides a financial boost and forgives any civil fines or penalties associated with their illegal status.
Noem emphasized the importance of this self-deportation option in her announcement, highlighting that since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily left the United States, with tens of thousands utilizing the CBP Home program. She expressed the urgency of the new holiday incentive, stating, “During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally.” The secretary stressed that this is a fleeting opportunity, indicating that the offer of a $3,000 exit bonus is available only until the end of the year.
Her message was pointed. “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” she warned. The tone reflects a hard line against those who may choose not to leave voluntarily: “Illegal aliens who 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.” This stark choice underscores Noem’s intent to compel action.
Noem explained that for those who opt for the self-deportation route, assistance is extensive. “We’ll buy you a ticket, give you $3,000 to go home,” she said, emphasizing that this initiative includes individuals who may not have been detained or who have interacted minimally with authorities. The approach aims to create an accessible pathway for illegal immigrants to return home, countering the fear associated with deportation.
Moreover, in her rhetoric, Noem referenced the issue of unaccompanied children caught in the web of illegal immigration. DHS has launched a partnership with local law enforcement to verify the status of 450,000 unaccompanied minors who crossed the border during the previous administration. Notably, she mentioned that more than 129,143 children have been found since the launch of this initiative. Noem’s assertion that “too many of these children were exploited, trafficked, and abused” signals a concern that goes beyond enforcement, addressing the vulnerability of children within the immigration system. She vowed to continue these efforts until every last child is accounted for.
This policy, while presenting a significant financial incentive for illegal immigrants to self-deport, occurs against a backdrop of tough enforcement measures. By connecting financial support with the urgency of leaving the country, Noem and DHS aim to transform the immigration landscape, giving those without legal status a clear and direct choice. The initiative could reshape attitudes toward self-deportation, framing it as not only a legal imperative but also a holiday opportunity.
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