CBP Home $2,600 “Voluntary Departure” Offer: Why Las Vegas Families Should Pause Before Accepting
If you’re considering the CBP Home voluntary departure Las Vegas program, the $2,600 offer is real—but the immigration consequences of leaving the U.S. can be life-changing for many families. Before you tap “Accept,” it helps to understand how this program works. Additionally, you should know how it differs from court voluntary departure, and why departure can trigger long re-entry bars under U.S. immigration law.
Local note: If you live in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Sunrise Manor, it’s normal to feel pressure when you see government messaging. Messages that sound fast, simple, and “safe” are especially compelling when fear is high.
Disclaimer (general information only)
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration law is complex, and every case is different. Moreover, reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, speak with a licensed immigration attorney in Nevada. Additionally, contacting our office does not create an attorney-client relationship, and you should not send confidential details until a written engagement agreement is signed.
Is the $2,600 CBP Home offer real—and how does it work?
DHS announced it increased the incentive for “self-deportation” from $1,000 to $2,600. The program uses the CBP Home app and includes travel assistance. Furthermore, the stipend is paid after your return is confirmed through the app.
A key detail many families miss: DHS pays after you depart. The timing matters significantly. Once you leave, you may have fewer options to fix problems or change course.
Is CBP Home “voluntary departure” the same as court voluntary departure?
Not necessarily. “Voluntary departure” is also a formal legal term in immigration court. However, the CBP Home program is described by DHS as “self-deportation” through an app-based process. It’s not a judge-led court procedure.
In practical terms, leaving through an app may mean you depart without presenting your case to an immigration judge. For example, you won’t be able to present defenses. Additionally, you may miss ways you could qualify to stay. Because of that, many families choose to get legal guidance before taking any step that results in departure.
Could leaving trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar from returning?
In many cases, yes. Understanding unlawful presence rules is critical. People who accrued 180 days to 1 year of unlawful presence may trigger a 3-year bar. This bar activates when they depart and then seek admission again.
Similarly, people who accrued 1 year or more of unlawful presence may trigger a 10-year bar. Moreover, these bars are generally triggered by the act of leaving. This applies even when the departure is “voluntary.”
This matters profoundly. A decision that feels temporary—”I’ll leave now and come back the right way later”—can become a long separation from your spouse, your children, and your life in Nevada. The consequences are permanent until the bar expires.
What else could you be giving up if you leave?
Depending on your situation, leaving the U.S. can affect pending immigration matters significantly. For instance, an application may be considered abandoned. Additionally, you may not be able to continue a process from inside the U.S.
Furthermore, DHS messaging about the program has included broad claims about how many people have self-deported. However, at least one major report noted those figures have been questioned and should be treated cautiously.
The practical takeaway for your family is simple: don’t rely on headlines or social media summaries. Instead, get a clear picture of the downside risk before you act.
What’s a safer 3-step plan before deciding?
If your family is weighing this choice in Las Vegas or Henderson, a simple plan can reduce panic. More importantly, it prevents avoidable, long-term consequences.
Step 1: Pause and get clarity
If a decision could trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar, it’s worth slowing down. Take time to understand what “departure” could legally set in motion. Ask yourself: am I making this decision under pressure, or with full information?
Step 2: List what you have in progress
Write down any notices, receipt numbers, old filings, prior orders, or upcoming court dates. Have these documents ready so a professional can quickly spot red flags. This simple step prevents costly oversights.
Step 3: Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
A consultation can help you understand whether leaving could trigger inadmissibility bars. Additionally, you’ll learn whether any legal paths may exist that you haven’t been told about in a 30-second app prompt. Many families find this conversation changes everything.
Related Resources
- Family Petition (Form I130) Basics for Nevada Families
- Deportation Defense in Las Vegas, Nevada
External Resources
Conclusion (Las Vegas families deserve time, not pressure)
If you’re staring at a CBP Home screen that promises $2,600, it’s understandable to feel torn. This is especially true when bills are due and fear is high.
But because leaving can trigger re-entry bars tied to unlawful presence, the long-term cost can be far greater than the short-term payment. The most protective next step for many people is to slow down and gather documents. Moreover, speak with a Nevada immigration attorney before making a decision that may separate your family for years.
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It gives you the context and clarity to decide whether and when speaking with a lawyer makes sense.
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Contacting the firm by phone, email, or website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential information until a written representation agreement is signed. The firm is licensed only where stated (e.g., Nevada and California).