The Department of Homeland Security announced the scheduling feature is now available on the Customs and Border Protection, CBP One mobile application. This is one element of the overall border enforcement updates the Biden Administration announced to limit illegal immigration, increase security, and provide pathways to legal immigration.
Effective January 12, 2023, noncitizens in Central or Northern Mexico can access the app to submit information and schedule an appointment to appear at specific Southwest Border land ports of entry. DHS remains required to enforce Title 42 public health order. As such, only those considered for humanitarian exception may use the CBP One app. Under the currently enforced Title 42, CBP can solely review individuals on a case-by-case basis, using the totality of the individual’s circumstances. Noncitizens using the CBP One app are required to attest that they believe they meet the criteria to qualify for the exception, providing some sort of proof to substantiate the claim when arriving at the port of entry.
The use of the app gives individuals a safe and orderly way to present themselves and their case at the port of entry, thereby eliminating the need to attempt to cross the border without legal status. It’s critical to note that appointments booked using the app are solely that – an appointment. It is not an approval of an exception to the Title 42 policy.
Noncitizens of any nationality who are in Central or Northern Mexico can use the CBP One app. There are no fees for using the app. Individuals can submit some biographic and biometric information to CBP via the app and schedule an appointment at the following eight ports of entry:
Arizona: Nogales;
Texas: Brownsville, Eagle Pass, Hidalgo, Laredo, and El Paso; and
California: Calexico and San Ysidro.
When Title 42 is ended, noncitizens can use the CBP Onne app to schedule appointments to begin a protection claim rather than coming to the port of entry and waiting. This will not only reduce the long wait times but minimize crowds and allow for a more humane processing experience.
Scheduled appointment dates and times are not guaranteed. Individuals can use the app themselves, without any support from third parties. Appointments are open starting January 18, 2023, with additional days released daily at 9 a.m., up to 14 days in advance. The app is available at no cost in the Apple App Store or Google Play as well as online. English and Spanish options are offered.
If you have questions about the Title 42 exception or any other immigration-related issues, contact us at ILBSG.
