The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced free flights and an exit bonus of USD 2,600 for illegal immigrants, including those from India, to return to their home countries. In a social media post promoting the move, the department used images of the Taj Mahal along with well-known landmarks from Colombia and China.
The initiative, called Project Homecoming, began in May last year following the start of US President Donald Trump’s second term.
Go home with a fresh start
To promote its self deportation plan for illegal immigrants in the United States, the department shared visuals featuring the Taj Mahal and major landmarks from Colombia and China.
You can go home with a fresh start. Receive a free flight home and a USD 2,600 exit bonus when you use CBP Home to self deport, DHS said in a post on X.
The department has asked migrants to use the Customs and Border Protection app to begin the process. Through the app, they can register their intention to leave, submit their details, and receive information about travel assistance and the financial support available under the scheme.
According to DHS, more than 2.2 million illegal immigrants have used the programme since it began in January 2025.
The cost of deportation
The cost of forcibly deporting one person currently stands at USD 18,245.
DHS said that offering a USD 2,600 payment reduces the cost of a voluntary departure through the CBP Home app to about USD 5,100, saving more than USD 13,000 per person for taxpayers.
The programme allows migrants to return home as regular travellers without arrest, detention or restraints. It is described as a safe and orderly alternative that provides assistance and flexibility rather than fear, according to the official website.
When the scheme was introduced in May last year, DHS offered a USD 1,000 exit payment. This was increased to USD 3,000 in December if migrants chose to leave before the new year.
The payment was later revised to USD 2,600 in January this year.
Netizens react to DHS post
Social media users responded with sarcasm and memes to the department’s post on X. Some also criticised the use of public money for the scheme.
One user wrote, Can US citizens get USD 2,600 instead, while another said, What an amazing use of taxpayer dollars.
Can you send me some cash for being a legal, employed, natural born citizen who contributes to society, a third user asked. Another commented, This is what happens when you let internet trolls run federal agencies.
