The Trump administration has reintroduced the CBP One app as “CBP Home,” incorporating a “self-deportation” feature. This update allows undocumented immigrants in the U.S. to voluntarily declare their intent to leave the country. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that this option enables individuals to depart on their own terms, potentially preserving the opportunity to return legally in the future. The administration emphasizes that those who do not utilize this feature may face enforced removal and permanent inadmissibility.
The original CBP One app, launched in October 2020, was designed to assist commercial trucking companies in scheduling cargo inspections. In 2023, its functionality expanded to include asylum applications. However, upon President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, the app’s asylum application feature was discontinued, and existing appointments were canceled.
The revamped CBP Home app now offers undocumented immigrants a streamlined process to notify U.S. authorities of their intent to depart voluntarily. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage self-deportation, aiming to reduce the number of individuals residing illegally in the country.
Critics express concerns about the app’s efficacy and potential misuse of collected personal data. They advise individuals to seek legal counsel before using the app to ensure they fully understand the implications of self-deportation.
No, the “CBP Home” app is not currently used to report undocumented immigrants. Instead, it is primarily designed to allow individuals themselves to submit a “self-deportation” request voluntarily.
However, there are concerns that user data could later be used to track undocumented immigrants, especially if a person registers in the app but does not complete the departure process.
What Are the App’s Functions?
- It allows undocumented immigrants to submit a voluntary departure request.
- It helps organize the departure process, potentially making legal re-entry easier in the future.
- It does not officially include a feature for reporting others, but some activists worry it could be used to collect user data and monitor them.
If you need more detailed information about the app’s policies or legal risks, it is best to consult an immigration lawyer.
