CBP One
CBP One is a mobile app developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).[1][2]
History
[edit]CBP One was launched on October 28, 2020 primarily to help commercial trucking companies schedule cargo inspections.[3][4]
In January 2023, CBP One's functionality was expanded to include unauthorized migrants seeking protection from violence, poverty, or persecution.[4]
In May 2023, CBP One was designated by Biden administration as the only path to request asylum on the U.S.-Mexico border and book asylum appointments.[5][6][7]
Features
[edit]CBP One facilitates access to a range of CBP services.[1] It has become the mandated platform for migrants at Mexico–United States border to schedule appointments for asylum processing at ports of entry.[6] A class action lawsuit against the US government was filed by humanitarian organizations and those affected by the app. They argued the need of internet access and a smartphone, as well as the limited language options, made it harder to file for asylum. In a 2024 report,[8] Amnesty International described the app's selection process as "lottery", with some waiting for a year. [5]
Additionally, it is the required application for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to submit biometric data necessary for travel authorization and parole under specific national programs.[4] The collection of personal information was criticized by Amnesty International, who said that facial recognition systems were unreliable for some demographics, and had a potential for dissemination.[5]
CBP One requires migrants to be located in central and northern Mexico for functionality.[1][9] The app verifies a user's location and blocks attempts to make appointments from outside authorized regions.[9]
CBP One is available on Android and iOS in five languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "The new US border wall is an app". MIT Technology Review.
- ^ "Once a ticket scalpers' tool, auto clickers now help migrants enter the U.S." Rest of World. February 23, 2023.
- ^ Miroff, Nick (February 20, 2023). "How Biden officials aim to use a mobile app to cut illegal U.S. entries". Washington Post.
- ^ a b c "CBP One: An Overview". American Immigration Council. December 9, 2021.
- ^ a b c Fàbregas, Alicia (July 14, 2024). "The dangers of CBP One, the app to request asylum at the US-Mexico border: Extortion, kidnappings and months-long waits". EL PAÍS English.
- ^ a b c "Seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border? You'd better speak English or Spanish". Rest of World. June 1, 2023.
- ^ "Asylum-seekers say joy over end of Title 42 turns to anguish induced by new US rules". AP News. May 28, 2023.
- ^ "USA: CBP One: A blessing or a trap?". Amnesty International. May 8, 2024. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ a b "U.S. Border Patrol's glitchy, mandatory app is a nightmare for migrants". Rest of World. March 9, 2023.