United States, March 11 (V7N) – Officials from the Trump administration are encouraging people living in the United States without legal permission to voluntarily "self-deport" using the same app many of them used to cross the border initially.

The "CBP Home" app, which was introduced under the Biden administration in 2021, allows migrants to schedule asylum hearings and manage their immigration cases. Initially known as CBP One, the app was designed to reduce illegal border crossings. However, Trump officials argue that the Biden administration misused this system, leading to an estimated 1 million people entering the U.S. while waiting for their asylum claims to be processed.

The Trump administration now promotes the idea that individuals who are identified through the app can voluntarily leave the U.S. instead of facing detention and forced deportation. Pete Flores, acting commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasized that the app provides a straightforward way for people to declare their intent to leave the country, offering them a chance to leave before facing harsher consequences.

"The app reinforces our commitment to enforcing U.S. laws and safeguarding national security," Flores said.

The app uses facial recognition and GPS tracking to verify users' identities and location. Those who report their intention to self-deport are asked to take a photo of themselves, provide personal information, disclose if they hold a passport from another country, and confirm if they have enough money to depart the United States.

It remains unclear when people are expected to report their self-deportation plans, as federal immigration officials could use the app's data to track those who have stated their intent to leave but have not yet done so. Critics of the app have previously argued that it was being exploited by migrants who requested asylum and then ignored court hearings.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told FOX News that those who self-deport may one day have the option to return to the U.S. legally. However, she warned that people who remain in the country without permission and are deported will "never return."

END/SMA/NYC/