U.S. Launches ‘Self-Deportation’ App to Streamline Voluntary Exits

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced CBP Home, a mobile application designed to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants.

The initiative, part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration strategy, aims to encourage self-deportation while conserving enforcement resources.

The app, an evolution of the CBP One platform previously used for asylum applications, allows users to declare their intent to leave the U.S. voluntarily. By opting for self-deportation, individuals may avoid the legal consequences of forced removal, potentially preserving their eligibility for future legal entry.

How the CBP Home App Works

Users must submit personal information, including a photograph, biographical details, and proof of financial means to leave. DHS officials state that this digital tool will streamline departures, reducing the burden on U.S. immigration enforcement agencies.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the app as an opportunity for individuals to exit on their own terms, saying, “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.”

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To promote the initiative, the U.S. government has launched a $200 million domestic and international advertising campaign urging undocumented migrants to “Stay Out and Leave Now.” The campaign aligns with the administration’s goal of restoring integrity to the immigration system and prioritising enforcement against individuals deemed security threats.

Reactions and Concerns

While the administration presents CBP Home as a humane alternative to detention and forced deportation, immigration experts remain cautious about its potential impact. Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh of the Migration Policy Institute stated that the program’s success depends on public awareness and individuals’ willingness to participate.

The app is now available for free on mobile application stores, with automatic updates provided to existing CBP One users. As the U.S. government continues to refine its immigration policies, the CBP Home app marks a significant shift toward technology-driven enforcement measures.

REUTERS/AP NEWS/Chidimma Gold