The United States government has released detailed guidelines for a voluntary self-deportation programme that provides eligible undocumented immigrants with financial incentives, travel assistance, and temporary protection from immigration enforcement if they choose to leave the country on their own accord. The initiative, administered through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home mobile application, aims to encourage voluntary compliance over enforced removal.
Programme Overview and Incentives
Under the expanded programme, qualifying non-criminal undocumented immigrants can notify authorities of their intent to depart voluntarily via the CBP Home app, avoiding arrest and removal by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Successful applicants receive a $2,600 exit bonus after their departure is verified, free travel arrangements including flights and assistance with travel documents, and forgiveness of certain civil fines related to failure to leave the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that participants approved for the programme will be temporarily deprioritised for ICE detention while awaiting their scheduled departure. According to authorities, those needing travel support are expected to leave within approximately 21 days after application approval.
Eligibility and Application Process
The guidance states that all non-criminal undocumented immigrants currently in the United States are eligible to use the CBP Home mobile app to initiate the voluntary departure process. Applicants must pass security vetting to receive the temporary enforcement reprieve.
The application procedure involves several steps: download the CBP Home app (available on Android and iOS), select a preferred language, submit personal details including name, nationality, date of birth, contact information, and a recent selfie, add eligible family members travelling together if applicable, and review and submit the application.
Benefits for Participants
The US government outlined several key benefits for eligible immigrants who voluntarily depart through the programme:
- Exit bonus of $2,600: Participants receive payment after confirming arrival in their destination country.
- Free travel assistance: The programme arranges flights and helps obtain necessary travel documents.
- Avoid ICE arrest prior to departure: Eligible applicants are temporarily shielded from detention while preparing to leave.
- Waiver of civil fines: Penalties for failing to depart after a removal or voluntary departure order are forgiven.
- Travel without detention: Participants leave as regular travellers, not in restraints or under arrest.
Departure Verification and Consequences for Non-Participation
For those leaving by air or sea, departure is automatically verified through the app. Land-border departures require participants to confirm their exit via the app after crossing into a foreign country. DHS warned that undocumented immigrants who do not use the voluntary programme remain subject to ICE enforcement, detention, and formal deportation, which may result in longer-term immigration consequences, including future entry restrictions.
In a related development, the United States Mission in Nigeria previously reminded travellers that holding a valid U.S. visa does not automatically determine length of stay, and visitors should verify their authorised period through their electronic arrival record after entry.
