The Trump administration has redesigned the CBP One app, previously used for processing asylum claims, into a tool for self-deportation. This move is part of a wider crackdown on immigration, which critics argue violates asylum rights under U.S. law.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the changes, stating that the new CBP Home app gives migrants the choice to leave voluntarily, which could allow them to return legally in the future. She warned that those who do not use the app will be forcibly deported and permanently barred from reentry.
CBP One was initially launched during Trump’s first term to manage various immigration services. Under President Biden, it became the primary method for scheduling asylum appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border. However, Trump, upon returning to office, immediately canceled all pending appointments and ordered the app’s transformation. The sudden shift left thousands of asylum seekers stranded after long waits.
Trump has long criticized the CBP One app, alleging that it enabled illegal immigration. During a 2024 campaign rally, he claimed, without evidence, that Mexican cartels were using the app for human trafficking. His administration now argues that the Biden administration allowed over a million migrants to enter illegally using the system.
The launch of the CBP Home app aligns with Trump’s broader immigration policy, titled “Stay Out and Leave Now.” His administration has also revoked various legal pathways for migrants, including temporary protected status and humanitarian parole. Additionally, Trump has indefinitely suspended asylum processing at the border, a decision facing legal challenges from organizations like the ACLU.
Critics warn that these actions undermine the right to seek asylum, which is protected under both U.S. and international law. Despite this, the Trump administration continues to push forward with strict measures, reinforcing its commitment to reducing migration.