Introduction of the New App

The Trump administration has introduced a significant update to a previously existing mobile app, now renamed CBP Home. This tool is designed to enable individuals who are residing illegally in the United States to express their intent to leave the country voluntarily.

Policy and Purpose Behind the App

Announced on Monday, the CBP Home app aligns with the administration’s ongoing strategy to promote “self-deportations.” This initiative is characterized as a pragmatic and economical approach to aid in the broader goal of addressing the undocumented immigrant population within the U.S.

Functionality and Advantages

The app is designed to provide a streamlined process for undocumented individuals to declare their intention to exit the country voluntarily, as noted by Pete Flores, the acting commissioner for 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,” said Pete Flores.

Transition from CBP One to CBP Home

Under the previous version, known as CBP One, the app permitted migrants to apply for asylum. This process was halted immediately after President Trump’s inauguration, resulting in the cancellation of numerous border appointments. Since January 2023, over 900,000 individuals have been granted entry into the U.S. on immigration parole under this prior system, generally lasting two years.

Statements from Officials

Throughout the administration, there has been a consistent emphasis on encouraging undocumented migrants to depart voluntarily. Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, elaborated on the advantages of the new app in a recent post on the social platform X.

“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,” Noem stated. “If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return.”

The Context of Voluntary Departures

Prior to the current administration, there were instances of undocumented individuals leaving the country voluntarily. However, the exact number of such cases remains uncertain.