The US Department of Homeland Security promoted a “self-deportation” scheme using imagery of India’s Taj Mahal and offering financial incentives to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily agree to leave the country.In a post shared on social media, the department appeared to advertise free flights to India along with cash benefits of up to $2,600 for those who choose to opt out of the United States. The message featured the Taj Mahal, suggesting that the program was an easier and more profitable alternative to forced deportation. This also includes China and Colombia, whose large populations live as immigrants in the US.Under the initiative, migrants without legal status are encouraged to notify authorities of their intention to leave. In return, they may receive assistance with travel arrangements and financial payments. Officials say the program is designed to reduce enforcement costs and ease pressure on detention systems, while also allowing individuals to avoid legal penalties associated with formal deportation.However, the campaign has drawn strong reaction, particularly over its use of cultural imagery. It was argued on social media that using the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, risked trivializing a serious issue. Some have also questioned whether the messaging unfairly targets specific communities, raises concerns about racism and xenophobia, or oversimplifies the complex realities faced by undocumented migrants.Immigration advocates say offers of money and free travel may be appealing to those in difficult circumstances, but they warn that such schemes could hide long-term consequences. Voluntarily leaving the US under these programs may affect a person’s ability to legally return in the future, depending on their immigration history.DHS also advises immigrants to use the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app to begin the process, allowing them to register their intention to voluntarily leave the country, submit their statement, and receive information about travel assistance and financial incentives offered under the program.