Staff Reports
The latest move by U.S. Customs and Border Protection has put a spotlight on an unexpected twist in the ongoing saga of border management under the Biden administration. The agency has decided to tweak its migrant app, originally designed to help illegals schedule their asylum hearings, now allowing them to navigate their exit out of the United States with much more ease. It’s as if they finally took a page out of the Trump playbook, recognizing that facilitating self-deportation may not be such a bad idea after all.
The app, known as CBP One—now morphed into CBP Home—has added a shiny new feature called “Intent to Depart.” This function presents a simple pathway for those unlawfully present in the country to tell the government they plan to leave. It’s like sending a polite RSVP to a party you really didn’t want to crash in the first place. And let’s not forget that this was all prompted by former President Trump’s Executive Order on border security. It seems the Biden administration is discovering that complying with previous administrations’ policies might just be the right move, even if it comes a bit late.
Initially rolled out in 2021 with the lofty aim of reducing illegal crossings and streamlining asylum procedures, the app was accused of enabling about a million people to stay in the U.S. while their claims were processed. One has to wonder why anyone thought giving them a high-tech lifeline was a good idea. The Trump administration recognized the dank futility of this setup and put the program on ice in January, presumably while strategizing about more constructive alternatives.
Besides the astonishingly selfless feature of allowing illegal immigrants to self-deport, CBP Home has also expanded its functionality to cater to lawful visitors. The new app enables travelers to apply for essential paperwork known as I-94 documents, check border wait times, and even submit manifests for cargo—ironic considering it’s now partially assisting those trying to leave, not just come into America. At this point, one might imagine travelers downloading the app and debating whether they’ll visit the U.S. or just decide it’s time to go home.
Pete Flores, the acting commissioner of CBP, has made it sound like the app is a great benefit for illegal residents, making them feel a bit more empowered by providing them with an escape route before facing any serious repercussions. What’s next? A “Goodbye Tour” promotion for those who want to exit gracefully? Ultimately, the focus should be on reinforcing U.S. laws and securing the border, rather than offering conveniences that enable unlawful presence. It’s hard not to appreciate the unintended humor in watching the Biden administration try to fulfill promises while reconnecting with the very policies they once dismissed.
