The Trump administration has revamped a controversial Biden-era app to tackle illegal immigration head-on. The new CBP Home app replaces the old CBP One tool that once helped migrants schedule asylum appointments. Now it pushes illegal immigrants to self-deport – a bold move to secure America’s borders.
This app lets migrants notify the government they’re leaving voluntarily. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says it gives people a chance to “return legally later and live the American dream.” Those who refuse face deportation and permanent bans. The administration calls this “restoring integrity” after what they label Biden’s border failures.
The change flips Biden’s open-border approach upside down. Where the old app helped nearly a million migrants enter, the new version tracks those leaving. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warns illegals to “leave now before facing much harsher consequences.” It’s part of a $200 million ad campaign telling migrants to “Stay Out and Leave Now.”
Critics claim the app could be used to target immigrants. But officials stress it’s about fairness – enforcing laws ignored under previous leadership. The Trump team argues self-deportation prevents families from being torn apart by ICE raids. They’re using every tool to fix what they call Biden’s border “invitation.”
Despite the tough talk, deportation numbers have actually dropped since Trump took office. His administration removed 37,660 illegals in January compared to Biden’s 57,000 monthly average. Supporters say the slower pace shows careful targeting of criminals instead of mass roundups.
The app’s facial recognition tech – once criticized by Democrats – now helps verify migrants leaving. Data from Biden’s old app will track those who overstayed their welcome. “We’ll find them if they don’t go,” Noem vowed during her confirmation hearing.
Liberal groups are fighting the policy in courts, claiming it violates asylum rights. But the administration insists borders aren’t suggestions – they’re laws. This hardline stance fulfills Trump’s promise to voters tired of unchecked immigration.
While activists complain, the message is clear: Enter legally or don’t come at all. The administration believes this app-driven approach modernizes enforcement while giving migrants a dignified exit. It’s a new era where border security means both strong walls and smart technology.
