Delving into Trump’s Policy from The Heritage Foundation’s Perspective

The Trump administration launches a new self-deportation app for illegal immigrants, simplifying departure while promising legal reentry, however experts question if the program can deliver on its pledges.

Key Takeaways

The Trump administration has replaced the Biden-era ‘CBP One’ app with ‘CBP Home’, featuring new self-deportation functionality for illegal immigrants.
A $200 million advertising campaign accompanies the app launch, urging illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. or face deportation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims those who self-deport may have opportunities to return legally in the future.
Immigration attorneys express skepticism about the app’s true purpose and the likelihood of legal reentry after self-deportation.
Monthly border crossings have reportedly decreased significantly since Trump’s return to office.

Replacing Biden-Era Immigration Technology

The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled ‘CBP Home’, a rebranded version of the Biden administration’s ‘CBP One’ app, now featuring a self-deportation function. President Trump had previously shut down the ‘CBP One’ app immediately upon taking office, criticizing its role in facilitating asylum appointments at the southern border. The new application allows illegal immigrants to signal their intent to leave the United States voluntarily by uploading personal information and planning their departure.

The previous ‘CBP One’ app had scheduled over 900,000 appointments for migrants seeking asylum appointments during the Biden administration. According to DHS officials, the app will automatically update to ‘CBP Home’, though its adoption rate among illegal immigrants remains uncertain. Beyond self-deportation features, the app includes functionality for applying and paying for an I-94 travel document with immigrants also being able to check border wait times.

CBP Home App – Allows Illegal Aliens to Self-Deport

🔹Illegal Aliens who Self-Deport may apply to return to US pic.twitter.com/tpE37Fsdc3

— DogeWatchReport (@DogeWatchReport) March 10, 2025

Self-Deportation Initiative Draws Support and Criticism

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has framed the app as an opportunity for illegal immigrants to leave on their own terms. “The ‘CBP Home’ app gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream. If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return,” said Noem.

The administration has also launched a $200 million advertising campaign alongside the app, warning illegal immigrants to leave or face deportation. These measures align with Trump’s broader campaign promises to address illegal immigration and border security concerns.

Legal Experts Question App’s Benefits and Consequences

Immigration attorneys have raised concerns about the app’s purpose and effectiveness. Darius Amiri, an immigration attorney, expressed skepticism about the app’s true intentions. “I’m curious if they were considering ‘CBP Go Home’ Cause that is what it feels like: sign up here or else we’re going to come get you and deport you,” Amiri noted.

Legal experts also highlight that individuals who self-deport after living unlawfully in the United States for over a year face the “10-year bar,” preventing legal reentry for a decade. This reality contradicts suggestions that self-deportation offers a clear path to legal return.

Early Impact on Border Security and Immigration

The app’s introduction coincides with reports of a significant decrease in monthly border crossings during Trump’s second term. Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores emphasized the app’s role in border security, stating, “CBP Home App strengthens our mission to secure the U.S. border by ensuring lawful entry for travelers and supporting effective enforcement.” The administration points to these early metrics as evidence that their multi-faceted approach to immigration enforcement is yielding results.

While the administration promotes the app as a humane alternative to forced deportation, immigration advocates question whether those who self-deport will genuinely receive favorable consideration for legal return. The program’s long-term effectiveness and impact on illegal immigration patterns remain to be seen as implementation continues across the country.