As border policies continue to evolve, many migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border must now use a government-issued mobile app called CBP One to seek lawful entry. This digital tool has become an essential step for many asylum seekers entering from a third country, especially since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security began enforcing stricter procedures to regulate asylum claims and reduce unlawful border crossings.
CBP One allows individuals to schedule appointments at designated U.S. ports of entry to present themselves for inspection and express a fear of returning to their home country. The app collects biographic information, facial photographs, and travel details to process entries in a more controlled manner. It is available in select languages and designed to be used by individuals in northern Mexico who are seeking protection in the United States.
Use of the CBP One app is now mandatory for most asylum seekers at the southern border unless they qualify for specific exceptions. These include unaccompanied minors, individuals with urgent medical issues, victims of trafficking, and those who can demonstrate a genuine inability to access or use the application. In most other cases, arriving at the border without a CBP One appointment may result in denial of entry or disqualification from asylum under current regulations.
Despite its purpose, the app has faced criticism for technical malfunctions, limited appointment availability, language limitations, and accessibility challenges for migrants without smartphones or internet. Still, it remains the primary method to request border entry for asylum. Missing an opportunity to use CBP One may lead to removal proceedings or ineligibility for certain protections, making its proper use a critical part of the modern asylum process.
It is important to understand that using CBP One does not grant asylum or legal status—it simply facilitates an orderly border crossing and a chance to initiate the asylum process lawfully. Once admitted, individuals must still file an asylum application and prove their eligibility through either affirmative filings with USCIS or defensive filings in immigration court. For many migrants, especially those coming from Central and South America, mastering the CBP One process is the first and necessary step toward seeking humanitarian protection under U.S. law.
If you or your loved ones are seeking asylum through the southern border, understanding how and when to use CBP One is essential to avoiding disqualification and ensuring access to the U.S. legal system. A small digital step can mean the difference between safety and setback.