In October 2020, the CBP One app was launched to simplify and streamline the immigration appointment scheduling process. Due to an increase in immigration, the Biden administration decided to make the platform the primary mode of scheduling appointments earlier this year. This was done in the hopes of promoting legal pathways to immigration and creating a more orderly and humane border processing system.
The CBP One app is especially important for asylum seekers in Mexico who need to schedule appointments to cross the border. However, the application has received criticism for its bugs and errors. Migrant rights advocates have argued that the platform does not account for the difficult conditions asylum seekers face. Many lack smartphones or a stable internet connection, making it challenging to meet the app’s various requirements. Additionally, the app offers limited language options and has trouble recognising individuals with darker skin.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has acknowledged the flaws in the app and is working to improve it. The agency plans to increase the number of available appointments to 1,000 per day and prioritise individuals who have been waiting the longest. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has also acknowledged the challenges faced by the CBP One app, citing the inability to make appointments due to limited capacity as the main source of frustration.
What is the CBP One App?
Per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, CBP One is a mobile application that serves as a single portal to a variety of CBP services. Through a series of guided questions, the app will direct each type of user to the appropriate services based on their needs.
As part of CBP’s comprehensive effort to improve the security of our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel and trade, CBP One™ will provide increased accessibility and transparency to some of CBP’s most utilized services.
CBP has released a video walkthrough for the CBP One App which you can find below. For further information, visit cbp.gov or contact Margaret W. Wong & Associates.
