"I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore": Stranded Immigrants Left Reeling After Trump-Promised Self-Deportation App Fails
In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants who signed up for the CBP Home app, touted by the Trump administration as a safe and easy way to leave the United States, have found themselves stranded in America. The app, launched with great fanfare last year, promised to facilitate self-deportation with the promise of flights paid for by the government and a $1,000 stipend.
According to ProPublica's investigation, these immigrants had prepared to leave on their assigned departure dates, only to be left high and dry when those dates came and went. "I don't want to be here anymore," said Pérez, a 25-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela, who was among the first group of users to sign up for CBP Home. "We were told it would be easy, that we could leave with dignity. But now I'm stuck here, and I have no idea what's going on."
The CBP Home app was launched in 2024 as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown efforts. The program aimed to encourage undocumented immigrants to voluntarily depart the country, thereby reducing the burden on law enforcement agencies and freeing up resources for more pressing issues.
However, ProPublica's investigation has revealed a pattern of broken promises and bureaucratic red tape that has left many immigrants frustrated and desperate. "We were told we would get our flights paid for, but now they're saying it's not their responsibility," said one immigrant, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's like they just threw us away."
Background research reveals that the CBP Home app was designed to use advanced algorithms to match departing immigrants with available flights and accommodations. However, sources close to the project have revealed that the system has been plagued by technical issues and inadequate staffing.
As a result, many immigrants have found themselves stuck in limbo, unable to access their promised flights or stipends. "It's like they're playing a game of cat and mouse with us," said Pérez. "They promise us one thing, but deliver another."
The implications of this debacle are far-reaching, with experts warning that the failure of CBP Home could have serious consequences for immigration policy in the United States.
"This is a classic example of how government programs can go awry when they're not properly funded or staffed," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an expert on immigration policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. "The Trump administration's promise to make self-deportation easy and efficient has turned out to be nothing more than a hollow promise."
As for Pérez and hundreds of other immigrants like her, they are left to wonder what their future holds.
"We just want to go home," said Pérez, her voice trembling with emotion. "We don't want to be here anymore."
*Reporting by Propublica.*
