Taj Mahal image in US self-deportation poster sparks controversy

 The US Department of Homeland Security has launched a promotional campaign encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States, offering free flights and a cash payout of $2,600, as per reports. The campaign sparked controversy after including posters featuring India’s iconic Taj Mahal, drawing attention for its messaging and symbolism.

The initiative invites undocumented individuals to register for voluntary departure through the CBP Home app managed by Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, the applicants can submit personal details, indicate their intent to return, and access travel assistance along with financial incentives under the scheme.

The posters reportedly highlight destinations such as India, China, and Colombia, reflecting countries with significant undocumented populations in the US. The messaging promotes what authorities describe as a “fresh start”, combining federally funded travel with a monetary exit bonus for those who choose to self-deport.

The programme is reportedly a part of ‘Project Homecoming’, introduced during the second administration of Donald Trump in 2025. According to reports, the initiative aims to provide a “safe and dignified” pathway for individuals without legal status to leave the country voluntarily and avoid enforcement actions.

You can go home with a fresh start!

Receive a FREE flight home and a $2,600 exit bonus when you use CBP Home to self-deport: https://t.co/YGo3uuNvrE pic.twitter.com/ZdSBlrJryO

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 17, 2026

Reports suggest that the government estimates suggest that around 725,000 undocumented immigrants of Indian origin were residing in the US as of 2022, making them one of the larger affected groups. Officials have also cited broader figures, with former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claiming that approximately 1.6 million self-deportations have taken place since the programme’s rollout, referencing labour data, as per reports.

However, the campaign has sparked criticism, particularly over the use of the Taj Mahal widely regarded as a global symbol of love as a promotional image in an immigration enforcement context. Critics argue that the juxtaposition reflects a harsher stance on migration, amid reports of rising hostility not only toward undocumented individuals but also toward legal immigrants, including Indian professionals on H-1B visas and Green Card holders. The campaign continues to fuel debate over US immigration policy, enforcement strategies, and the broader messaging surrounding migrants.