For foreigners who remain in the United States without legal authorization, the federal government enabled a program that allows them to self-deport along with their children and receive a $1,000 incentive. However, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns that specific requirements must be met to access this benefit. The procedure, available only to those within the United States, requires completing the process through the official CBP Home app. This tool was developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to offer a structured and supported voluntary departure for certain migrant groups. According to the immigration authority, participants must complete a series of steps within the digital platform to formalize what is legally known as an “intent to depart.” This process also includes the option to register the applicant's children, provided they meet the criteria established by the program. Official instructions include downloading the app, selecting the language, providing a recent photograph, and uploading all required information. Subsequently, the user must add their immediate family members and finally submit the request so that CBP can evaluate whether to grant voluntary self-deportation.

Who can apply for voluntary departure with economic incentive?

According to DHS, the benefit is intended for specific groups. One of them is foreign nationals considered “non-criminals” who have had a previous encounter with CBP officers at a port of entry. This category applies to migrants initially detained while attempting to enter the country.

Also eligible are those who remain legally in the United States but have permits that have expired or are about to expire. This situation includes thousands of people who entered legally but were unable to renew their immigration status on time or lost eligibility due to administrative changes.

Another group included in the program are those who previously had Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and are no longer protected by this measure. After losing this protection, they become subject to immigration proceedings and can choose this route to leave the country without facing formal deportation. In addition to the $1,000 incentive, CBP incorporated other incentives aimed at facilitating voluntary departure. The agency notes that, after approving the application, participants are removed from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) priority list, which guarantees that their scheduled departure date will be respected. The agency also offers assistance for return trips, which may include support in bringing children or obtaining the necessary documentation. In some cases, even the forgiveness of fines accumulated during the foreigner's stay in the United States is considered. Finally, CBP indicates that those who complete this process can return to their countries "as regular travelers," avoiding the restrictions associated with deportation. This, according to the immigration authority, facilitates the possibility of seeking future reentry through legal channels and with better administrative conditions.