US offers free flights, $2,600 exit bonus for illegal immigrants

The US Department of Homeland Security has released posters offering to fly illegal immigrants to their home countries for free with an exit bonus of 2,600 US dollars.

The Department of Homeland Security used an image of the Taj Mahal and prominent landmarks of Colombia and China to promote its self-deportation initiative targeted at illegal immigrants living in the US.

The initiative, called Project Homecoming, was launched in May last year, after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump’s second term in office.

The DHS has advised migrants to use the Customs and Border Protection app to begin the process, allowing them to register their intent to leave the country voluntarily, submit their details, and access information about travel assistance and the financial incentive offered under the programme.

According to the DHS, over 2.2 million illegal immigrants have availed of the scheme since its launch in January 2025.

The programme provides migrants with the chance to return home as regular travellers, without arrest, detention, or restraints. When the programme was launched in May last year, the DHS was offering an exit bonus of US 1,000 dollar.