Trump to Offer Big Cash to Illegal Immigrants, Including Kenyans, Who Voluntarily Leave US

The United States government, under President Donald Trump, is now offering financial incentives for illegal immigrants willing to leave the country voluntarily. Eligible individuals can receive up to Ksh336,000 (approximately $2,500) if they choose to self-deport.

The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, January 21. The payment is available only to those who register through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App and agree to return to their home countries.

In addition to the cash incentive, the program provides free flights for participants, making self-deportation a less costly option compared to forced removal.

High Costs of Forced Deportation

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the difference in cost between voluntary and enforced deportations. While a single forced removal can cost as much as Ksh2.3 million, the new program reduces the expense to roughly Ksh659,328 per person. “Illegal immigrants should see this as an opportunity. If they do not act now, authorities will find them, arrest them, and deport them,” Noem warned.

Since January 2025, about 2.2 million undocumented migrants have chosen to leave the U.S. voluntarily, with tens of thousands enrolling in the CBP Home program. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the number of unauthorized immigrants in the country.

Focus on Criminal Records and Security Threats

The crackdown continues to target those with criminal histories or suspected national security risks. Over 675,000 deportations were carried out during President Trump’s first year in office alone. Although officials have not released the total number of removals since then, many non-U.S. nationals have been deported via commercial flights.

Recently, the U.S. government identified at least 15 Kenyans among its “worst of the worst” illegal immigrants. The individuals face allegations ranging from aggravated assault, domestic violence, and robbery to fraud, kidnapping, money laundering, and other serious offenses.

With this new program, undocumented immigrants—including Kenyans living unlawfully in the U.S.—are being urged to self-deport before stricter enforcement measures are taken.