The CBP One App’s Limitations and Impact on Asylum Seekers

By Gulce Suzen, Law Clerk at CK Law Firm

The U.S. government’s reliance on the CBP One app for asylum appointments has been a contentious issue. Despite being designed to streamline the process, the app has numerous shortcomings that significantly impact asylum seekers.

1. Insufficient Appointment Availability: The CBP One app only allows for 1,450 appointments per day across eight ports of entry. This limited availability forces many asylum seekers to wait in dangerous conditions in Mexico for extended periods. Reports indicate that migrants in cities like Matamoros and Tijuana wait months for an appointment, exacerbating their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.

2. Accessibility Issues: The CBP One app has faced significant criticism for its lack of accessibility. Initially, it had serious issues with facial recognition for Black asylum seekers and was only available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. These limitations prevent many non-English-speaking migrants and those with disabilities from accessing the app, hindering their ability to secure an appointment.

3. Impact of the CLP Rule: The Circumvention of Lawful Pathways (CLP) rule, implemented in conjunction with the CBP One app, presumes migrants who do not use the app are ineligible for asylum. This rule places an undue burden on asylum seekers, requiring them to prove they faced exceptional circumstances or were unable to use the app due to significant barriers.

4. Consequences of Limited Access: The inability to secure an appointment through the CBP One app leads to dire consequences. Many migrants, unable to wait in Mexico, risk crossing the border illegally. This not only endangers their lives but also increases the likelihood of their asylum claims being denied under the CLP rule.

5. Call for Reforms: There have been numerous calls for reforms to improve the CBP One app and the overall asylum process. These include expanding language options, increasing appointment availability, and addressing the app’s accessibility issues. Additionally, there is a push to eliminate the CLP rule’s rebuttable presumption of ineligibility to ensure fairer treatment of asylum seekers.

The CBP One app, as it stands, is inadequate for the needs of asylum seekers. Its limitations in appointment availability and accessibility place many at risk. Comprehensive reforms are necessary to ensure that the app fulfills its intended purpose without compromising the safety and rights of migrants.

For detailed information, visit Think Immigration: The CBP One App Is Not Enough.