The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a new mobile application, CBP Home, designed to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants from the country. The initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which prioritizes self-deportation as a cost-effective alternative to traditional removal procedures.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the launch on Monday, stating that self-deportation offers a safer and more efficient solution while conserving federal resources. “Not only is it safer, but it also saves U.S. taxpayer dollars and valuable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources to focus on dangerous criminal aliens,” Noem said.
The CBP Home app replaces the previous CBP One platform, which was deactivated following Trump’s return to office. The former system had allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments at official U.S. ports of entry but had been criticized for technical flaws and for allegedly encouraging illegal crossings.
In conjunction with the app’s release, the administration has launched a $200 million public awareness campaign urging undocumented immigrants to “Stay Out and Leave Now.” Additionally, a new regulation set to take effect on April 11 will require undocumented individuals to register with federal authorities or face potential fines and legal action.
Despite government assurances, the app has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates and legal experts. Laura Rivera, a lawyer with Just Futures Law, warned that the system could infringe on privacy rights and heighten fears among immigrant communities. “This is essentially a tool for surveillance, raising concerns over data collection and potential misuse,” she said.
The CBP Home app is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape immigration enforcement policies, emphasizing voluntary compliance with U.S. laws while tightening border security measures. The effectiveness of the initiative remains a subject of debate, as policymakers and civil rights groups continue to scrutinize its implications.
