The US is attracting migrants with a Christmas bonus. They are offering three thousand dollars and a plane ticket for voluntary departure.

WASHINGTON – Just before the end of the year, the US government came up with an extraordinary offer for migrants residing in the United States without a valid permit. If they sign up for voluntary departure from the country by 31 December, they will not only receive a free ticket to their country of origin, but also a financial bonus of $3,000, or approximately £2,000. The measure was reported by the DPA agency, citing the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

According to an official statement from the DHS, this is a temporary programme known as a „holiday stipend“, which aims to encourage migrants to voluntarily leave the country. Those interested must register via the CBP Home mobile app, which is managed by the US Customs and Border Protection agency. After confirming their actual departure from the United States, the government will provide them with a plane ticket and pay them the promised amount.

Reuters points out that this move represents a significant increase in the incentive offered by the government. As recently as this spring, migrants were offered only $1,000 for voluntary departure. According to the ministry, the threefold increase is intended to boost interest in the programme, especially during the Christmas season. The DHS also claims that voluntary departures are significantly cheaper for the state than forced deportations, which, according to government estimates, cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars per person.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem marked the offer as „last chance to leave with dignity and without further sanctions“. As quoted by the Financial Express, migrants who decide to stay and do not take advantage of the programme may face tougher measures next year, including detention, forced deportation and a long-term ban on returning to the US. According to the government, voluntary departure will, on the contrary, improve the chances of a possible legal return in the future, although the specific conditions are not entirely clear.

Axios notes that the CBP Home application was developed from the original CBP One platform, which the previous administration used to register migrants applying for legal entry or asylum. Now its role has changed significantly, and it is primarily used to track and record voluntary departures. According to the DHS, this digitisation is intended to simplify the entire process and reduce the administrative burden.

However, the programme has also attracted criticism. Some media outlets, including the investigative website The Daily Beast, point to past cases where migrants encountered bureaucratic problems and did not receive the promised money or air tickets in full, or at all. In addition, non-governmental organisations warn that financial incentives combined with the threat of repression may act as a form of coercion rather than a truly voluntary choice.

Despite criticism, the government insists that this is a more humane and economically advantageous alternative to mass deportations. As Reuters summarises, the £2,000 Christmas bonus is intended to send a clear signal that the United States wants to reduce the number of illegal immigrants quickly and without the use of force. Whether the offer will actually lead to a significant increase in voluntary departures will only become clear early next year.

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