US offers $3,000 payments to migrants - Reuters
Refugees in the US (Photo: Getty Images)
US authorities are stepping up measures to reduce the number of undocumented migrants, offering financial incentives to those who agree to leave the country voluntarily by the end of the year, reports Reuters.
Washington’s immigration policy continues to tighten amid statements emphasizing the need to ease pressure on the budget and security system.
One of the key tools is the so-called voluntary deportation program, whose conditions have been significantly revised.
US increases payments for voluntary migrant departures
The US Department of Homeland Security announced that President Donald Trump’s administration has tripled the payments for migrants who agree to leave the country voluntarily.
The so-called stipend has been increased to $3,000. It will be available to individuals residing in the US illegally who arrange their departure by the end of the current year.
The program also includes a free plane ticket to the migrant’s country of origin.
The agency emphasized that the measure aims to reduce government costs. According to DHS, the average cost of arrest, detention, and deportation of one undocumented person reaches approximately $17,000.
Tough messages and digital tools
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated: “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.”
To simplify the process, an updated mobile service called CBP Home was launched in March to register voluntary departures.
Previously, the app CBP One had been used by the previous administration for the legal entry of migrants into the country.
Plans for 2026
Despite criticism, the White House continues its push to strengthen immigration control.
Since January, the administration has deported around 622,000 people, while the stated annual target remains 1 million.
Authorities are already preparing for tougher measures in 2026, planning additional funding, the hiring of thousands of new agents, the opening of detention centers, and the involvement of private companies in locating undocumented migrants.
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce new migration restrictions and stated that the administration will soon expand the list of countries whose citizens will be banned from entering the US.
Following a tragic shooting at Brown University, where a 48-year-old migrant, admitted to the US under the Green Card program, killed two and injured nine students, the US authorities decided to temporarily suspend the issuance of green cards.
