President Donald Trump delivered a strong message to undocumented immigrants on Tuesday, urging them to take advantage of a "chance" to voluntarily leave the United States using the new CBP Home app. In a video shared by the White House on social media platform X, Trump advised, "Do it the easy way, or you'll be deported the hard way," warning that those who don't self-deport will be identified, deported, and permanently barred from re-entering the U.S. legally.
He emphasized that this approach aims not only to address the issue of undocumented immigrants but also to enhance the efficiency of federal agencies by conserving taxpayer dollars and valuable resources of CBP and ICE from prolonged detentions. "Allowing over a million foreigners to enter our country illegally is no longer an option," he stated in the video, highlighting the necessity for immigrants to take the initiative to leave voluntarily.
This proposal marks a shift in immigration policy that has sparked mixed reactions on social media and on the international stage. Additionally, on X, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reinforced the message: "The CBP Home app provides immigrants the option to leave voluntarily now, so they still have the chance to return legally in the future and live the American dream. If they don't, we will find them, deport them, and they will never return."
Undoubtedly, the Trump administration seeks to encourage the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants, presenting it as the safer and more humane alternative compared to forced deportation. The new app is positioned, according to officials, as a tool to more efficiently manage irregular immigration and redirect immigration policy toward a model that, they claim, allows for a future legal reentry for those who choose to leave the country voluntarily.
Despite Trump's promises to conduct the largest deportation process in history, a month and a half after returning to the White House, the pace is somewhat slower than that of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, according to NBC News.
CBP Home: A Tool for Voluntary Departure Notification
On March 10, the United States announced the launch of the CBP Home app, a new digital tool enabling immigrants in irregular situations to notify their intention to leave the country voluntarily. Developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the app aims to provide an orderly and defined process for those wishing to depart U.S. territory without facing harsher consequences.
According to a CBP statement, the "Intent to Depart" feature will allow immigrants who are either in the U.S. without authorization or whose stay permits have been revoked to inform authorities of their decision to leave the country. This initiative is a response to Executive Order 14159 by the U.S. President, focusing on strengthening border security and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
Key Questions About the CBP Home App and Voluntary Departure
What is the CBP Home app?
The CBP Home app is a digital tool developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to allow undocumented immigrants to voluntarily notify their intention to leave the United States.
Why is the Trump administration promoting voluntary departure?
The administration is promoting voluntary departure as a more humane and resource-efficient alternative to forced deportation, aiming to conserve taxpayer dollars and redirect immigration policy.
What happens if an immigrant chooses not to use the app?
If an immigrant chooses not to use the app for voluntary departure, they risk being identified, deported, and permanently barred from re-entering the United States legally.