The U.S. government announced on Monday the launch of the CBP Home app, a new digital tool that will allow undocumented immigrants to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country.
The application, developed by the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP), aims to provide an orderly and defined process for those who wish to leave U.S. territory without facing more severe consequences.
According to the CBP statement, the “Intent to Depart” feature will allow immigrants who are in the country unlawfully or whose permission to stay has been revoked, to inform authorities of their decision to leave the country.
This initiative responds to Executive Order 14159 from the U.S. president, focused on strengthening border security and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
“The CBP Home App strengthens our mission to secure the U.S. border by ensuring the lawful entry of travelers and supporting effective law enforcement,” said Pete Flores, acting commissioner of the agency.
"The application provides irregular immigrants with an easy way to notify their voluntary departure before facing more severe consequences," he emphasized.
In addition to this function, the CBP Home application will allow users to access other services, such as the advance request for the I-94 form for temporary entry, tracking wait times at border crossings, and scheduling appointments for the inspection of perishable goods.
According to the press release, it will also make it easier for bus operators to submit manifests.
The application is available for free on mobile devices through the Apple and Google Play app stores, as well as on the official CBP website.
With this tool, the U.S. government aims to streamline immigration and border processes through accessible digital solutions for travelers, businesses, and authorities, with the goal of encouraging irregular immigrants to leave the country voluntarily.
CBP Home replaces CBP One
The new CBP Home application replaces CBP One, a platform launched during the Biden administration that allowed migrants from various countries to schedule appointments to request entry at a legal border crossing.
Citing El Economista, Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, stated that the app gives foreigners the option to leave voluntarily and self-deport, which would allow them to retain the possibility of returning legally in the future.
"The CBP Home app gives foreigners the option to leave now and self-deport, allowing them the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream," Noem stated in a statement.
However, he warned that those who do not take advantage of this option will face stricter deportations: "If they don’t, we will find them, deport them, and they will never return."
President Donald Trump has promised to deport a record number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
However, according to El Economista, the initial figures for deportations under his administration have been below the monthly average for fiscal year 2024 during Joe Biden's administration.
Additionally, the U.S. government has taken other measures to pressure undocumented immigrants.
A new regulation, set to take effect on April 11, will require that all individuals without legal status register with the federal government to avoid facing fines or jail time.
The immigration policy of the United States has been a key topic in recent months, featuring measures from both the administration of Joe Biden and the plans announced by Donald Trump in anticipation of a possible re-election.
On March 4, the U.S. government implemented changes to the CBP One system, tightening the appointment request process for migrants at land entry points. The new measures aim to enhance identity verification and prevent fraudulent use of the application.
On March 2, the White House reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the humanitarian parole, a crucial migration pathway for thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans. However, the program faces legal challenges driven by Republican states seeking to eliminate it.
The Cuban-American senator Marco Rubio reiterated his opposition to humanitarian parole on February 4, calling it unsustainable and arguing that the U.S. cannot bear the migratory burden. Rubio also criticized Cubans who, after receiving asylum in the U.S., return to Cuba after a short period.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has made it clear that if he returns to the White House, he will implement a much more restrictive immigration policy. On March 1, he proclaimed the "end of the migrant invasion" and announced tougher measures against irregular immigration.
On March 4, it was revealed that his team plans an expansion of the expedited deportation program, which would allow for rapid expulsions without a prior judicial hearing.
Additionally, on March 6, it was reported that their administration is evaluating revoking the legal status of some immigrants who already reside in the U.S.
With these opposing stances, immigration policy remains a key issue in the electoral debate and in the lives of thousands of migrants seeking to establish themselves in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBP Home App and the Immigration Context in the U.S.
What is the CBP Home application and what is its main purpose?
The CBP Home application is a digital tool launched by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office for undocumented immigrants to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country. Additionally, it offers extra services such as the advance request for the I-94 form, tracking wait times at border crossings, and scheduling appointments for the inspection of perishable goods.
Why has the CBP One app been replaced by CBP Home?
The CBP Home app has replaced CBP One as part of a new approach by the Trump administration to manage immigration. CBP One allowed users to schedule appointments to request legal entry into the U.S., but it was shut down to tighten immigration policies, limiting the use of such applications to self-deportation processes and transfers between detention centers.
What are the implications for immigrants who do not use the CBP Home app to notify their departure?
Immigrants who do not use the CBP Home application to report their voluntary departure may face stricter deportations and lose the opportunity to return legally to the U.S. in the future. The administration has warned that those who do not take advantage of the self-deportation option will face harsher measures.
How does the elimination of CBP One affect migrants who were waiting for appointments to enter the U.S.?
The removal of CBP One has left many migrants without the opportunity to enter the U.S. through previously scheduled appointments. This measure has caused uncertainty and desperation among immigrants who were hoping to use the system to manage their legal entry into the country.
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