The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a voluntary return programme for undocumented immigrants, offering free flights and a financial incentive of USD 2,600 to those who choose to leave the country on their own.

The initiative, called Project Homecoming, is being promoted through social media campaigns that feature global landmarks, including India's Taj Mahal, alongside visuals from Colombia and China.

'Go home with a fresh start'

As part of its outreach, DHS shared a message encouraging migrants to opt for voluntary departure.

Also Read | From hobby to history: US woman collects 38,000 spoons, sets world record

"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 programme requires migrants to use the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home app. Through the app, individuals can register their intent to leave, submit personal details, and access information about travel arrangements and financial support.

Programme rollout and participation

Project Homecoming began in May last year, following the start of US President Donald Trump's second term. According to DHS data, more than 2.2 million undocumented immigrants have used the programme since January 2025.

The scheme aims to offer an alternative to formal deportation processes, allowing migrants to return to their home countries without detention or legal action.

Also Read | Vikas Khanna hosts NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for iftar, calls it a ‘full circle’ moment

Cost savings for the government

DHS has highlighted the financial benefits of the programme. The current cost of forcibly deporting an individual is estimated at USD 18,245.

In comparison, the voluntary return option reduces the cost to approximately USD 5,100 per person. Officials say this leads to savings of over USD 13,000 per individual.

The programme also allows migrants to "return home as regular travellers without arrest, detention, or restraints. It's a safe, orderly alternative that provides assistance and flexibility, not fear", according to the website.

When first introduced, the scheme offered a USD 1,000 payment. This was later increased to USD 3,000 in December for those opting to leave before the new year. The incentive has since been revised to USD 2,600 from January this year.

How did people react online?

Reacting to the DHS post on X, people flooded the comments section with their views. One user said, "The Taj Mahal is India's crown jewel, a symbol that the entire world associates with beauty, culture and heritage. Nations proudly use such iconic monuments to promote tourism and civilizational pride.

Also Read | Trump shares video of US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island after ‘powerful’ bombing raid | WATCH

But the US Department of Homeland Security has chosen to use our beloved Taj Mahal in a self-deportation campaign poster, directly linking India's greatest heritage symbol with illegal immigration. This is not just insensitive, it is deeply disrespectful to 1.4 billion Indians."

Another wrote, "Indian economy is growing at 20 percent per year - you guyz are doing them favour to return in India and aslo giving startup capital of 2500 dollars . Thanks America."

"Can US citizens get $2,600 instead?" asked one while another said, "SCAM … I’m all for people leaving if they are there illegally, but this is a total lie. I personally know several people that left and were depending on that money to cover resettlement… and received nothing. Zero response after following the process exactly. Good idea to leave, bad idea to depend on this money - cause it’s not happening."