DHS Launches CBP Home App with Self-Deportation Reporting Feature

The introduction of a “self-deportation” app has been met with skepticism and concern by many immigration advocates, attorneys, and policy analysts. While the idea of encouraging voluntary departures is not entirely new, experts point out several potential problems and question how effective the CBP Home App will be in practice.

Skepticism About Participation: One of the most immediate questions raised is whether significant numbers of undocumented individuals will actually use this app to turn themselves in. The concept of “self-deportation” has historically been controversial – it assumes that if life is made difficult or if given an easy option, migrants without status will simply pack up and leave. However, immigration experts note that this assumption is largely unsupported by past evidence. Studies have shown little proof that hardline policies cause large-scale voluntary emigration. In fact, a review by the non-partisan Immigration Policy Center found “little evidence that ‘attrition through enforcement’ is causing unauthorized immigrants to leave” the country on their own​ (americanimmigrationcouncil.org). For example, during the late-2000s recession – a period of both economic hardship and increased state-level immigration crackdowns – fewer Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico than in the preceding years, contrary to what “self-deportation” theory would predict​. This suggests that many factors (family ties, fear of conditions back home, hope for future opportunities in the U.S.) compel people to stay put despite difficulties.

In the specific case of the CBP Home App, observers are doubtful that a smartphone app will induce large numbers of entrenched immigrants to leave. Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, an associate policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute, remarked that it’s unclear “how many people without legal status would register” for what is essentially the longstanding voluntary departure option, or “what the government hopes to gain from the new app.” (wsls.com)

Given that many undocumented individuals have lived in the U.S. for years, built families, and established communities, the notion that they would voluntarily self-report and exit simply because an app made it convenient may be unrealistic. Some advocates say that those who intended to depart likely would do so with or without an app, and those who intend to stay illegally will not be swayed by a new piece of software.

Fear and Distrust: Another major concern is that the app could actually be a tool of surveillance or enforcement that might put users at risk if they don’t follow through. By asking unauthorized migrants to identify themselves to DHS and provide biometric data (a photograph) and contact information, the app is effectively collecting information on individuals who are violating immigration laws. Immigration attorneys and advocates worry that if someone files an “Intent to Depart” but, for whatever reason, fails to depart promptly, they could be making it easier for ICE to locate and arrest them​. “They’re creating a bit of a culture of fear around immigration right now,” Ms. Putzel-Kavanaugh observed, noting that this app appears to be part of a “targeted public relations campaign” alongside highly publicized enforcement actions​. The implication is that DHS might be using the app not only to facilitate genuine self-removal, but also to intimidate communities — essentially saying “we’re watching, and we have your info.” Advocacy groups have therefore advised caution. There is an inherent trust issue: those who are here illegally are unlikely to trust that reporting themselves to the government won’t lead to negative consequences. Unless DHS provides guarantees (for example, not to use the data to initiate enforcement against someone who later changes their mind), uptake may remain low. Privacy advocates also question how the data collected will be stored and used. If the app retains facial images and personal details of undocumented users, there must be assurances that this information is secured and only used for its stated purpose (facilitating departure) and not shared widely across law enforcement databases without due process. As of the launch, DHS has not fully detailed the data privacy safeguards for CBP Home, which leaves some stakeholders uneasy.

Accessibility and Equity Issues: Although the app is free and widely available, not every undocumented person may have easy access to a smartphone or the digital literacy to use it. Some migrants – particularly those who have been living in the shadows – might not be familiar with smartphone apps or may not have up-to-date devices. Additionally, while the app supports English and Spanish, the undocumented population in the U.S. is linguistically diverse (including speakers of Indigenous languages, Chinese, Hindi, etc.). Advocacy organizations point out that language barriers and technology gaps could limit who can actually utilize the tool. If the aim is to maximize self-deportation, relying on a smartphone platform might miss segments of the population who either don’t get the message or cannot navigate the application. DHS’s heavy investment in outreach ($200 million in advertising​) might mitigate this by broadcasting the message on radio, TV, and community networks, but using the app still requires a level of tech access that not all have.

Effect on Humanitarian Cases: There is also concern about people who might feel pressured to leave even if they have viable legal options to stay, such as asylum seekers or those who could obtain visas. The CBP One app previously was a tool for asylum appointments, and tens of thousands of migrants had used it hoping for refuge in the U.S. before the new administration shut that functionality down​. Now, with CBP Home repurposed for the opposite goal, some fear that vulnerable individuals (like asylum seekers) might be driven to self-deport out of desperation or misinformation. If an asylum seeker loses hope due to the new enforcement push and leaves via the app, they could be abandoning a legitimate claim for protection. Advocates argue that DHS should ensure that anyone considering self-deportation is aware of their rights and any legal avenues available to them. They emphasize that voluntary departure should truly be voluntary and informed, not coerced by an atmosphere of intimidation.

Historical Parallels: Some critics draw parallels to past U.S. immigration crackdowns, noting potential unintended consequences. In the mid-1950s, for example, the U.S. carried out Operation Wetback, a massive deportation campaign that President Trump has praised in the past. Historians note that while that operation did deport on the order of one million individuals, it also induced an additional large number of people to leave preemptively – including some who were in the U.S. legally but feared being swept up in raids (wsls.com). There is concern that aggressive messaging like “we will find you and deport you” could similarly create panic, possibly causing even legal immigrants or people whose cases are in process to flee unnecessarily. This kind of collateral impact is seen as harmful to communities and families. Immigrant advocacy groups caution that policies centered on “self-deportation” can sow confusion and hurt the social fabric, without significantly improving enforcement outcomes.

In summary, while most observers acknowledge the government’s right to encourage compliance with immigration laws, many question the efficacy and ethics of doing so via a smartphone app. They note that voluntary departure programs in the past have had low uptake, and that a digital tool may not overcome the fundamental calculation an undocumented person makes about whether to stay or leave. Unless living conditions in the U.S. become unbearable or enforcement is certain, many will likely choose to remain in hopes of future opportunities, rather than self-deport. As one policy expert put it, the CBP Home App may be “part of a public relations campaign” more than a game-changer on the ground​.