U.S. Launches App for Voluntary Migrant Departures

US Introduces Mobile App to Encourage Voluntary Migrant Departures

The U.S. government has repurposed a mobile application initially designed for asylum seekers, now targeting undocumented migrants who wish to leave the country voluntarily.

Revised Use of CBP Mobile App

Originally launched in 2020 as CBP One, the app was introduced during the Biden administration to allow migrants to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry. Officials had praised its role in streamlining the asylum process while minimizing overcrowding at border facilities.

Now, under the Trump administration, the app has been rebranded as CBP Home and refocused to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented migrants. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency states that it offers a way for individuals to exit the country without facing forced removal or deportation.

White House Immigration Strategy

This initiative aligns with broader efforts by the White House to overhaul U.S. immigration policies in line with President Trump’s pledges to curb unauthorized migration. Authorities have consistently emphasized that undocumented migrants should leave the country voluntarily rather than risk detention and expulsion.

Encouraging Self-Removal

Through CBP Home, migrants can register their intent to leave the U.S., providing identification details and exit plans. The app also queries users on their financial ability to return home and whether they possess a valid passport.

In a statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explained that voluntary departure via CBP Home could facilitate future legal re-entry into the U.S. However, she warned, "If they do not leave, we will locate them, deport them, and they will not be allowed to return."

Trump Administration’s Broader Immigration Crackdown

Since taking office, President Trump has aggressively pursued stricter immigration policies. This includes revoking CBP One’s original function, halting new entries for unauthorized migrants, and intensifying enforcement actions through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The discontinuation of CBP One resulted in approximately 30,000 migrants being stranded in Mexico, many of whom had scheduled asylum appointments that were subsequently canceled. Previously, migrants arriving at the U.S. border could legally apply for asylum, but under the current administration, such provisions have been significantly curtailed.

Comparative Deportation Figures

The Trump administration has also reversed previous refugee settlement policies. Under Biden, the U.S. admitted over 100,000 refugees in 2024—the highest number since 1995. In contrast, Trump has suspended resettlement programs, emphasizing deportation instead.

Data from ICE reveals that over 1,000 migrants were removed within four days of Trump taking office. Reuters reports that nearly 38,000 individuals were deported in his first month, compared to an average of 57,000 per month during Biden’s final year in office.

Overall, Biden’s administration deported approximately 1.5 million migrants over four years—comparable to Trump’s first-term figures but significantly lower than Barack Obama’s administration, which expelled 2.9 million individuals in its first term.

Challenges in Implementing Migrant Registration

In February, the Trump administration announced plans to establish a national registry for undocumented migrants, requiring those over 14 years old to provide their address and fingerprints to U.S. authorities. Those failing to register could face criminal charges.

However, experts caution that enforcing such a registry poses logistical challenges, including difficulties in tracking migrants and limited government resources to manage the database effectively.

Impact on Border Crossings

According to White House statistics, border crossings in January 2025 decreased by 36% compared to December 2024. The administration has attributed this decline to enhanced enforcement measures and policy shifts.

While many migrants attempt to escape political instability and violent crime in their home countries, the growing number of deportations raises concerns about their safety upon return.