The Trump administration has announced it is creating a new app for those crossing the United States’ borders legally.
In launching CBP Link, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that its existing app, CBP Home, would be used solely by immigrants who intend to self-deport.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have promoted CBP Home as a way for illegal immigrants to safely leave the U.S. without facing ICE custody, but the app also had features for those who need to cross the border legally and often, including to and from Mexico.
What To Know
In an announcement on Monday, CBP stated that it was splitting the two apps to create a “user-friendly mobile application designed to reduce data requirements.”
CBP Link will now allow users visiting the U.S. for leisure and work to access a single app that lets them apply for the Visa Waiver Program up to seven days in advance and pay for an I-94 form, which proves legal visitor status.
Those entering with perishable cargo needing inspection will also use the app to notify border agents, as will bus operators who need to submit manifests of who and what is on board their vehicles crossing in and out of the country. CBP Link is also where border crossers will find crossing wait times, the agency said.
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
This is the third change to CBP’s app by the Trump administration.
It was called CBP One when Trump returned to the White House. It launched under that name during his first term, with similar functions to CBP Link. Under former President Joe Biden, its functions were expanded so immigrants seeking asylum could book appointments with CBP agents, but Trump shut this down in January.
In March, the app was repurposed into CBP Home, giving immigrants the option to log their intention to self-deport and then notify the government once they had returned to their home country.
It was reported in recent days that around a million people had used the app to avoid being taken into ICE custody, with the Trump administration telling immigrants they may have the option to return to the U.S. via a legal route later. Hundreds of thousands have lost their legal status in recent months, making them deportable.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in its announcement Monday: “Those who use the CBP Home mobile app to self-deport receive cost-free travel, forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States, and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app. If they already submitted their intent to depart using previous versions of CBP Home, they will not need to resubmit.”
What Happens Next
The agency said that the apps would be available for download and that the CBP Link app would update with existing users’ information.
