WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is pushing for illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. using the newly introduced CBP Home app. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the app to replace the Biden-era CBP One app, which previously allowed migrants to enter the country legally under certain conditions. Trump’s message is part of his broader immigration strategy to increase deportations and restrict entries.
Video Message
Trump’s message, set to be released across social media platforms, emphasizes the importance of voluntary departure. He states that those who refuse to leave could face forced deportation and a lifetime ban from reentering the U.S. “People in our country can self-deport the easy way, or they can get deported the hard way, and that’s not pleasant,” Trump says in the video.
He claims the Biden administration misused the CBP One app, allowing over a million migrants to enter the U.S. unlawfully. Trump argues that his new CBP Home app will correct this by offering an efficient way for migrants to leave the country voluntarily.
How the App Works
The CBP Home app allows users to submit their intent to leave the country and verify their departure. However, this function is limited to migrants who were granted parole under Biden’s policies. Trump’s administration has already eliminated the use of the CBP One app for new entries, signaling a stricter stance on immigration.
The app’s features include options to notify authorities of departure plans and upload proof of exit from the country. Trump’s administration claims this process will reduce law enforcement burdens and make removals more organized.
Trump’s Warning to Migrants
Trump states that migrants who self-deport through the app may have a future opportunity to return legally. However, he warns that those who do not take advantage of this voluntary exit program will be deported and permanently barred from reentry. “If they do not avail themselves of this opportunity, then they will be found. They will be deported, and they will never be admitted to the United States ever, ever again,” Trump asserts.
Prioritizing Law Enforcement
The administration argues that the CBP Home app will allow law enforcement to focus more resources on identifying and removing migrants convicted of violent crimes. Trump insists that the app provides a safer and more efficient alternative for both migrants and officers handling deportations.
Expanding Deportations
Since taking office, Trump has moved swiftly to expand deportations and significantly cut the number of migrants entering the U.S. His administration has paused humanitarian parole programs, which grew under Biden, and has authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to revoke parole status for certain migrants.
Trump has also instructed his administration to halt the processing of new parole applications. This move is expected to decrease the number of migrants allowed into the U.S. under humanitarian policies.
Changes to Parole Programs
On his first day in office, Trump ended the use of the CBP One app for allowing new migrants into the U.S. He argues that the previous administration’s policies encouraged illegal immigration and overwhelmed border enforcement agencies.
