Holiday self-deportation program offered by Trump

Holiday self-deportation program
Migrant advocates criticize proposal
DHS video triggers controversy

President Donald Trump announced an initiative he presents as a “Christmas gift” for undocumented immigrants: a free flight and a $1,000 stipend for those who agree to voluntarily return to their home countries.

The Trump administration is promoting this holiday-themed self-deportation campaign, which critics say is misleading and cruel toward immigrant communities.

Holiday self-deportation campaign

A video published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Cyber Monday introduces the “CBP Home” app, which offers this incentive to individuals who formally sign their voluntary departure and verify they have left the country before receiving the payment.

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The video begins with the tone of a commercial and the phrase:
“Are you an illegal immigrant in the United States? Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your family? Then DHS has the best holiday deal of your life!”

The government presented the campaign as an option for immigrants to return home temporarily during the festive season.

Critical reactions from immigrant communities

‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’: @DHSgov rolls out a new 1990s-inspired ad touting a “holiday deal of a lifetime” for illegal immigrants in the U.S., offering a $1,000 stipend through the CBP Home App to those who self-deport. pic.twitter.com/oTPyNWyYB4

— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 2, 2025

Advocates and community organizations warn that the campaign is harmful, according to NBC.

Norieliz De Jesus, youth director at La Colaborativa in Chelsea, called the ad insensitive and said that promoting something like this—especially during the holidays—sends a damaging message.

De Jesus said that many families did not migrate by choice and that turning their reality into a joke or an alleged holiday opportunity is inhumane.

For immigrants like Ana Cruz, who arrived from El Salvador as a teenager, the video was distressing. She recalled moments when she felt unwelcome, especially while working as a domestic worker.

She shared that she has heard phrases like “Immigrant, go back to your country,” and that many times, all she could do was smile and move on.

Media analysts say the video appears to have a political objective rather than an informational one, as it is produced in English with an exaggerated tone designed to go viral.

Vincent Raynauld, associate professor of communications at Emerson College, explained that the ad is not aimed at undocumented immigrants but at promoting Trump’s initiatives and generating public conversation.

Government response and program figures

DHS stated that tens of thousands of people have already used the CBP Home app to self-deport and that 2.3 million have left the country so far this year.

A DHS spokesperson defended the holiday self-deportation program as an opportunity that embraces the Christmas spirit and the “generosity of taxpayers” by offering a free flight and a $1,000 stipend.

The administration emphasized that this promotion is part of the “Return Home Project,” introduced by President Trump in May, aimed at speeding up the departure of undocumented individuals.

They noted that the process can be completed in 10 days if the information in the app is accurate, the user responds to outreach attempts, and agrees to book their ticket as soon as possible.

The reimbursement and stipend may be delayed by incomplete data, inaccurate information or lack of valid documentation.