The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new mobile application allowing undocumented migrants to voluntarily declare their intention to leave the country. The app, CBP Home, replaces its predecessor, CBP One, which was originally designed to assist with asylum appointments.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to overhaul US immigration policies, including heightened enforcement measures and the creation of a national registry for undocumented migrants, according to the BBC.
Officials argue that self-deportation through the app is a safer and more cost-effective alternative to detention and forced removal.
New Digital Tool Aims to Streamline Voluntary Departures
The CBP Home app, according to DHS, enables undocumented migrants in the US to submit an official notification of their intent to depart. This feature is intended to provide individuals with a means of leaving the country while potentially maintaining eligibility for legal re-entry in the future.
Homeland Security 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. If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return.”
The app requires users to confirm whether they possess sufficient funds to leave the country and hold a valid passport from their country of origin.
DHS officials emphasise that the initiative is designed to preserve law enforcement resources, allowing agencies such as US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to focus on individuals deemed to pose security threats.
The launch of CBP Home coincides with a $200 million domestic and international advertising campaign urging undocumented migrants to leave voluntarily. According to DHS, this campaign is part of a broader effort to deter illegal immigration and reinforce the government’s stance on border security.
A Shift From CBP One and Broader Immigration Enforcement Efforts
The CBP Home app replaces CBP One, which was introduced in 2020 and later expanded under the Biden administration to allow migrants to schedule asylum appointments at US ports of entry.
While Biden-era officials credited CBP One with reducing detentions and improving processing efficiency, critics, including members of the Trump administration, argued that the system facilitated mass migration.
Upon Trump’s return to office, CBP One was swiftly dismantled, leaving many asylum seekers with pending appointments uncertain about their next steps. The shift to CBP Home marks a significant departure from previous policies, reinforcing a focus on expedited removals and self-reported departures.
Beyond the app, the administration is introducing additional measures, including a national registry for undocumented migrants. According to DHS, individuals aged 14 and older will be required to register with the federal government, with those failing to comply facing potential fines or criminal prosecution.
