Those who are in the United States without legal status now have the option to return to their home countries for free and receive a $1,000 payment through a new program announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The offer is available via the CBP Home App.
According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, “The CBP Home App offers those in this country illegally a fantastic gift this holiday season: a free flight home, a $1,000 gift, and the potential opportunity to return to America the right, legal way. Your choice is simple: Choose self-deportation and reap the rewards, or stay here and continue breaking our laws, which will lead to you being arrested and deported. Make the right choice for you and your family this Christmas and join the 2 million illegal aliens who have already left the country: Download the CBP Home App today.”
The process requires users to download the app, provide their information, and then DHS will arrange and pay for travel back home. Once departure is confirmed, participants receive $1,000.
In addition to these incentives, individuals using the app will be forgiven any civil fines or penalties related to failing to depart. They may also remain eligible for future legal entry into the United States.
DHS states that those who do not use this program face arrest, deportation, and permanent bans from returning.
