The Trump administration is transforming the CBP One app into a pivotal tool for voluntary departure, signaling a renewed stance on illegal immigration.
Quick Takes
- The Trump administration relaunches CBP One app as CBP Home to aid self-deportation.
- The app provides an avenue for undocumented immigrants to notify and verify their departure.
- DHS emphasizes self-departure to maintain options for legal reentry.
- Efforts align with President Trump’s executive order on border enforcement.
The Transformation of CBP One
The Trump administration has redefined the role of the CBP One app by relaunching it as CBP Home. This transformative initiative is part of a larger strategy to encourage self-deportation among illegal immigrants. The app facilitates the process for these individuals to declare and verify their intent to voluntarily exit the United States. By offering this option, the administration aims to reduce illegal immigration while allowing for possible legal reentry in the future.
The CBP Home app’s purpose is to serve as a mechanism for migrants to register their departure proactively. This is part of a push to bolster border security and ensure adherence to immigration laws. Formerly used under the previous administration to assist migrants in gaining U.S. entry, the app now aligns with the Trump administration’s policies to curb illegal entries and reinforce national security.
A Strategic Approach to Immigration Enforcement
The app’s voluntary departure feature aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14159, which outlines a focused approach on immigration enforcement. As DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “The CBP Home App gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream.”
This strategic shift involves increased ICE arrests and deportations while closing the border to illegal crossings. There have been reports of decreased illegal entry attempts, with agents noting the lowest levels of crossings in recorded history. Notably, the U.S.-Mexico border’s heightened security measures have acted as a deterrent, prompting some migrants to rethink their attempts to cross.
CBP Home App: Features and Accessibility
With the intent to promote compliance and enhance enforcement outcomes, the CBP Home app comes equipped with features such as I-94 processing, inspection appointments for perishable cargo, border wait time monitoring, and bus manifest submissions. The app is readily accessible for free on both Apple and Android platforms, as well as through the CBP website, making it a convenient option for migrants seeking to comply with U.S. immigration regulations.
“CBP Home App strengthens our mission to secure the U.S. border by ensuring lawful entry for travelers and supporting effective enforcement,” said Pete Flores, Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “The app provides illegal aliens in the United States with a straightforward way to declare their intent to voluntarily depart, offering them the chance to leave before facing harsher consequences. This reinforces our commitment to enforcing U.S. laws and safeguarding national security.”
By offering a pathway to self-departure, the CBP Home app upholds the administration’s broader initiative to reform immigration practices. It provides a structured way for migrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, a shift from previous practices under the Biden administration. These changes are a testament to the Trump administration’s commitment to rigorous immigration enforcement and the restoration of the rule of law.
