U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the launch of the CBP Home app, a new platform designed to facilitate the voluntary self-deportation of individuals residing illegally in the United States. Trump warned that those who do not take advantage of this option will face forced removal and a lifetime ban on re-entry.
“People in our country illegally can self-deport the easy way, or they can get deported the hard way, and that’s not pleasant,” Trump stated. “The Biden administration exploited the CBP One app to allow more than 1 million aliens to illegally enter the United States. Now my administration is launching the CBP Home app to give people in our country illegally an easy way to leave now and self-deport voluntarily.”
He further emphasized that those who voluntarily leave through the app may have a chance to return legally in the future but warned of permanent consequences for those who refuse.
“If they do, they could potentially have the opportunity to return legally at some point in the future. But if they do not avail themselves of this opportunity, then they will be found, they will be deported, and they will never be admitted again to the United States ever, ever again. You’re never coming in,” Trump declared.
Trump also highlighted that voluntary deportation via the app would save government resources by reducing the burden on immigration enforcement agencies.
“Using the CBP Home app to leave the United States voluntarily is the safest option for illegal aliens or law enforcement. It also saves the US taxpayer dollars and valuable CBP and ICE resources. And all of those resources are necessary to focus on dangerous criminal aliens. And that’s what we’re focused on. The CBP Home app is now available free across all mobile app stores. And I encourage those who have violated our laws to use this option today. Do it right and come back to our country. Do it wrong and you’ll never be back again,” he said.
The Trump administration has deported hundreds of migrants in recent weeks, but has declined to disclose their identities or the evidence against them, leading to criticism from civil rights groups and migrant advocates. CNN reported that several families have accused the administration of violating civil liberties through these actions.
The CBP Home app is now available for free download on major mobile app stores.