The U.S. government is offering a financial incentive for undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country by the end of the year, marketing the program as a 'Christmas bonus'. The Department of Homeland Security announced that immigrants who register for voluntary departure by December 31st will receive a free flight to their home country along with a $3,000 cash payment. Since May of last year, the government had been offering $1,000 to immigrants willing to arrange their departure through a mobile app that allows for 'self-deportation'. The Department of Homeland Security has now intensified promotion of the program with a holiday-themed campaign, urging immigrants to take this time-limited offer to return to their 'homeland' in time for the holiday season. Many immigrants who entered the United States illegally have lived in the country for years or even decades and consider it their home. However, President Donald Trump has made mass deportations a cornerstone of his second term, with increased raids on immigrants and stricter operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented individuals.
