An app originally designed to help asylum seekers legally enter the United States has now been transformed into a self-deportation tool under President Donald Trump’s administration.
CBP One, launched in 2020, initially provided asylum seekers the ability to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry. By 2023, this feature became a primary method for processing asylum claims. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), over 900,000 individuals—primarily from Venezuela, Cuba, and Mexico—used the app between January 2023 and December 2024 to seek asylum.
However, the app has now been rebranded as “CBP Home” and integrated into a $200 million domestic and international advertising campaign aimed at discouraging undocumented migration, with the slogan: “Stay Out and Leave Now.”
Major Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
Houston-based immigration attorney Mana Yegani emphasized the app’s initial purpose, stating:
“People could apply for asylum and enter the U.S. through a more structured and legal process. A significant number of people in Houston used the CBP One app and are now here.”
She believes this rebranding is part of a broader effort to compensate for a lack of immigration enforcement personnel.
“Trump pledged to create the largest deportation system ever, claiming the numbers would be massive. But the government lacks the manpower to execute such a large-scale campaign,” Yegani noted.
Introduction of the “Intent to Depart” Feature
With its updated purpose, CBP Home now allows users to submit an “intent to depart” form. The process requires:
Photo submission
Biographical details
Declaration of financial capability to leave
A valid, unexpired passport
However, it remains unclear whether the U.S. government will provide financial assistance to those unable to afford their departure.
ICE Intensifies Crackdown in Houston
In recent weeks, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up enforcement efforts in Houston, making:
100+ arrests in Colony Ridge
20 arrests at a warehouse in Spring
600+ arrests across the region between February 23 and March 2
ICE has justified these actions under its “worst first” approach, targeting individuals with serious criminal records. However, concerns have emerged after at least two legally authorized workers in Houston were detained, raising questions about the enforcement strategy’s fairness and accuracy.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Despite the government’s push for voluntary departures, Yegani remains skeptical about its practicality.
“I don’t see this having a real impact on deportations unless the government cancels all pending asylum cases. That would trigger a major legal battle in the courts. For now, we wait and see,” she said.
A Drastic Change in Immigration Policy
The transformation of CBP Home signals a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. As legal and humanitarian concerns continue to emerge, the future impact of this initiative remains uncertain.
