Homeland Security Secretary Noem Terminates Controversial CBP One App Use
EXCLUSIVE: In a significant policy shift, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has decided to end the use of the contentious CBP One app, which previously facilitated domestic air travel for migrants, unless the app is employed for self-deportation purposes.
Reversal of Biden-Era Policy
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “Secretary Noem is reversing the horrendous Biden-Era policy that allowed aliens in our country illegally to jet around our country and do so without identification.” This statement emphasizes the administration’s stance to tighten immigration controls, particularly with the ongoing debates surrounding illegal migration.
The spokesperson further articulated, “Under President Trump, TSA and DHS will no longer tolerate this. Aliens in our country illegally can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self-deport.” This bold directive marks a poignant departure from the more lenient immigration policies associated with the previous administration.
CBP One App: Background and Transition
The CBP One app was originally expanded by the Biden administration to streamline the process for migrants entering the United States through designated ports of entry or through a specialized parole process. This app required migrants to upload various personal details, including a photograph, to expedite their entry into the U.S.
Furthermore, the app was utilized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to assist in verifying migrants lacking sufficient identification. It employed a photo comparison against DHS records and utilized biometric matching techniques. Migrants who were successfully verified through this process were subject to additional physical screenings.
End of CBP One Use at TSA Checkpoints
Despite the ongoing controversial use of the CBP One app, its application for enabling migrants to board flights without adequate identification predates the Biden administration. The recent policy alteration signifies a stark end to using the CBP One app at TSA screening checkpoints and the National Transportation Vetting Center, effectively barring air travel for migrants without a TSA-approved ID who have been paroled or released into the U.S. pending immigration processing.
This decision reflects a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and those who have been granted parole into the U.S. through the CBP One app. On his first day in office, former President Donald Trump had already initiated the suspension of the CBP One app as a mechanism for paroling migrants into the U.S., and his administration has since frozen applications for various parole programs. Additionally, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been empowered to revoke the parole status of certain migrants.
The Recent Policy Changes: Broader Implications
Last week, Secretary Noem also took steps to reverse a Biden-era extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, which follows a precedent of canceling a separate TPS extension for Venezuelan nationals. These drastic policy changes signal a stringent approach to immigration, aligning with the broader conservative narrative aimed at tightening U.S. borders.
In line with these moves, Secretary Noem has also signed a memo that permits an official count of up to 600 State Department personnel to act in the capacity of immigration officers. This shift could fundamentally alter the operational landscape of immigration enforcement within the United States.
Conclusion
The implementation of these new policies speaks volumes about the current administration’s intentions regarding immigration reform. By dismantling the CBP One app’s application for domestic air travel and empowering new enforcement measures, the DHS aims to instigate a paradigm shift in how the U.S. manages illegal immigration. As these policy changes roll out, they will undoubtedly garner significant attention and response from both advocates for immigrant rights and proponents of stricter immigration control.
