CBP One was a mobile app developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). [1] [2]
Originally launched in October 2020 to help commercial trucking companies schedule cargo inspections, its functionality was expanded in 2023 to include unauthorized migrants making asylum claims. The app faced criticism from Republicans who argued that it facilitated illegal immigration, allowing individuals to enter the U.S. before their asylum case claims were fully vetted. Critics worried it could lead to more “catch and release” instances, where inadmissible individuals are allowed to stay in the US while awaiting hearings.
The app was shut down on January 20, 2025 by the Trump administration. [3]
CBP One was launched on October 28, 2020, primarily to help commercial trucking companies schedule cargo inspections. [4] [5]
In January 2023, CBP One's functionality was expanded to include unauthorized migrants making asylum claims. [5]
In May 2023, CBP One was designated by the Biden administration as the only path to request asylum on the U.S.-Mexico border and book asylum appointments. [6] [7] [8] Nearly one million persons arranged screening appointments using the app—about 1,450 each day—since January 2023. [9]
On January 20, 2025, shortly after being inaugurated, the Trump administration ended the use of the app. In addition to the app no longer being used, any existing appointments with the app were cancelled. [10] Early morning 5:00 a.m. confirmed appointments on Inauguration Day were kept as scheduled, but by 1:00 p.m. the app notified asylum seekers that their appointment was cancelled. [9] Some of those with cancelled appointments were part of a Mexican transportation program for persons with confirmed CBP appointments. [9]
CBP One facilitated access to a range of CBP services. [1] It became the mandated platform for migrants at Mexico–United States border to schedule appointments for asylum processing at ports of entry. [7] A class action lawsuit against the US government was filed by humanitarian organizations and those affected by the app. They argued the need for Internet access and a smartphone, as well as the limited language options, made it harder to file for asylum. In a 2024 report, [11] Amnesty International described the app's selection process as a "lottery", with some waiting for over a year. [6]
Additionally, it was the required application for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to submit biometric data necessary for travel authorization and parole under specific national programs. [5] The collection of personal information was criticized by Amnesty International, adding that its facial recognition systems were unreliable for some demographics, and had a potential for discrimination. [6]
CBP One required migrants to be located in central and northern Mexico for functionality. [1] [12] The app verified a user's location and blocked attempts to make appointments from outside authorized regions. [12]
CBP One was available on Android and iOS in five languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. [7]