US offers $3,000 to migrants who self-deport over the holidays, warning others of arrest and permanent ban, as part of a tightened immigration drive.
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is offering a time-limited USD 3,000 “bonus” for undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States during the holiday season.
The US Department of Homeland Security promoted the offer on its website, urging migrants to “take advantage of a USD 3,000 bonus to head home for the holidays”.
It warned those who do not accept the offer face arrest, deportation, and a permanent ban from returning to the US.
Preventing unlawful immigration has been a top priority for President Donald Trump during his second term.
His administration has significantly tightened conditions for entering the US and obtaining visas.
A “self-deportation” program launched in May allows people in the country illegally to register for voluntary departure via an app for USD 1,000 plus travel costs.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is also promoting the holiday incentive on social media.
“AVOID ICE AIR AND SANTA’S NAUGHTY LIST! Self-deport today with the CBP Home app, earn USD 3,000 and spend Christmas at home with loved ones,” the agency posted on X.
The post featured a video of a man dressed as Santa Claus wearing an ICE flak jacket detaining and deporting a person.
ICE has been tasked with deporting an unprecedented number of undocumented migrants during Trump’s current term.
Critics have accused the agency of transforming into a paramilitary force.
In a separate holiday-linked message, the US State Department posted a screenshot of a Fox News clip about visa revocations.
The clip stated that 95,000 visas, including for more than 8,000 international students, had been revoked during 2025.
“Merry (early) Christmas,” read the text accompanying the State Department’s post.
