3 min readNew DelhiMar 18, 2026 06:53 AM ISTThe United States Homeland Security early Wednesday advertised a “self-deportation” scheme, allowing undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily.Offering financial support of $2,600 and a free flight ticket back to their home countries, the Department used an image of the Taj Mahal urging undocumented Indian migrants to fly back to their country “for free.”Over a post on X, the DHS wrote: “You can go home with a fresh start! Receive a FREE flight home and a $2,600 exit bonus when you use CBP Home to self-deport: http://DHS.GOV/CBPHOME”You can go home with a fresh start!Receive a FREE flight home and a $2,600 exit bonus when you use CBP Home to self-deport: https://t.co/YGo3uuNvrE pic.twitter.com/ZdSBlrJryO— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 17, 2026The DHS also advised migrants to use the online Customs and Border Protection (CBP) application, which would allow them to register their interest in leaving the US voluntarily, share their details, and even receive financial assistance for the programme.What is the US ‘self-deportation’ scheme?The DHS established ‘Project Homecoming’ in May last year, months after US President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025.A part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration, self-deportation is pegged by US authorities as the safest option for undocumented immigrants, one that allows them to exit the country voluntarily without facing legal action. Under the scheme, authorities will track the departure, with users also required to upload information to verify their exit.“The American people are generously offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now,” a DHS press release then announced. To pay for the flights and “exit bonuses”, the state department repurposed $250m intended to help resettle refugees, The Guardian quoted.It is a part of a larger $200 million “Stay Out and Leave Now” campaign of the Trump administration.Story continues below this adThe DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, in August 2025, announced that in her first 200 days as Secretary, the US had seen a decline of approximately 1.6 million “illegal aliens” across the country. “This is massive. This means safer streets, taxpayer savings, pressure off of schools and hospital services and better job opportunities for Americans. Thank you, President Trump!” Noem said, according to the release.In these 200 days, the DHS also launched an “international, multimillion-dollar ad campaign” warning those “illegal aliens to LEAVE NOW because if they don’t, we will arrest them and deport them,” it stated.President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out targeted operations to “remove criminal illegal aliens,” the release added.The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:donald trumpAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...