Venezuelan Immigrants Stranded After Trump-Promised Self-Deportation App Fails to Deliver Safe Exit

Venezuelan Immigrants Stranded After Trump-Promised Self-Deportation App Fails A group of Venezuelan immigrants who signed up for a self-deportation app promoted by the Trump administration have found themselves stranded in the United States after being promised safe and easy exit from the country. According to an investigation by ProPublica, Pérez, a 25-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela, was one of many immigrants who used the CBP Home app to schedule their departure dates. However, when those dates came and went, they were left with no clear path forward. "I don't want to be here anymore," Pérez said in an interview. "But now I'm stuck." The CBP Home app was launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce immigration numbers. The app promised a safe and easy way for immigrants to leave the country, with guaranteed flights and $1,000 in compensation. However, ProPublica found that many users have been left without any assistance or communication from CBP after their scheduled departure dates passed. "It was like they just disappeared," said Maria Rodriguez, another Venezuelan immigrant who used the app. "We were told to be ready to leave on a specific date, but when we showed up, no one was there." The investigation revealed that the app's promise of safe and easy exit was largely an illusion. Many users reported being left stranded at airports or bus stations with no clear instructions on what to do next. "It's like they're trying to make us disappear," said Pérez. "We just want to go back home, but it seems like nobody cares." The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of immigration policy, which has led to a surge in asylum seekers and immigrants attempting to self-deport. "This is just another example of the administration's broken promises to immigrants," said Maria Rodriguez, a lawyer who represents many Venezuelan immigrants. "They're using these apps as a way to push people out of the country without providing any real support or resources." The current status of the CBP Home app is unclear, but it appears that the Trump administration has abandoned its efforts to promote self-deportation through technology. In response to ProPublica's investigation, a CBP spokesperson said that the agency "cannot comment on individual cases" and that users should contact their local immigration office for assistance. However, many immigrants are left with few options. As Pérez put it, "We're stuck here, and we don't know what to do." Background: The Trump administration has been promoting self-deportation as a solution to the country's immigration crisis. The CBP Home app was launched in 2020 as part of this effort, with the promise of safe and easy exit for immigrants. However, many experts have criticized the app as a flawed solution that fails to address the root causes of immigration. "It's a Band-Aid on a bullet wound," said Maria Rodriguez. "These apps are just a way to push people out of the country without providing any real support or resources." Additional Perspectives: Immigration advocates have long argued that self-deportation is not a viable solution for immigrants who face danger and persecution in their home countries. "This is just another example of the administration's lack of understanding about the complexities of immigration," said Maria Rodriguez. "They're treating people like commodities, rather than human beings." The CBP Home app has also raised concerns about data privacy and security. Many users reported receiving spam emails and phone calls after using the app, leading to fears that their personal information was compromised. "It's a recipe for disaster," said Pérez. "We don't know what they're doing with our information, but we know it can't be good." Next Developments: The fate of the CBP Home app remains unclear, but it appears that the Trump administration has abandoned its efforts to promote self-deportation through technology. However, many immigrants are left with few options. As Pérez put it, "We're stuck here, and we don't know what to do." Immigration advocates are calling for greater support and resources for immigrants who face danger and persecution in their home countries. "It's time for the administration to take responsibility for its broken promises," said Maria Rodriguez. "We need real solutions that address the root causes of immigration, not just Band-Aid fixes like self-deportation apps." *Reporting by Propublica.*