The US government has introduced a new way for undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily through a mobile application called CBP Home.
This app, originally created to help migrants book asylum appointments, has now been rebranded under the Trump administration. It allows migrants already in the US to submit an “intent to depart”, which officials say could help them avoid stricter penalties.
Encouraging Voluntary Departure
US authorities have repeatedly encouraged undocumented migrants to leave on their own rather than face arrest and forced deportation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that those who self-deport through the app may have a chance to return legally in the future. However, she warned, “If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return.”
How the App Works
Migrants using CBP Home will be asked:
• If they have enough money to leave the US
• If they have a valid passport from their home country
It is unclear what happens after migrants submit their information through the app. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to provide further details.
Part of a Larger Immigration Crackdown
The launch of CBP Home is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policies. Other recent measures include:
• A $200 million advertising campaign urging migrants to “stay out and leave now”
• Increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids
• A new national registry requiring undocumented migrants over the age of 14 to provide their address and fingerprints
Experts believe enforcing these policies will be challenging due to logistical difficulties. However, the US government remains firm in its efforts to control illegal immigration.
