You can now apply for asylum in the US through the CBP One app: how it works

In 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) introduced the CBP One mobile app. Thus, border guards wanted to avoid long checks, similar to the work of the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck applications. Now, CBP One has a new role: accepting applications from those seeking asylum in the United States. Writes about this The Washington Post.

Photo: IStock

Asylum seekers will need to use CBP One to request a meeting at an official U.S. port of entry, which officials say will facilitate a more streamlined process while minimizing disruptions.

The expansion of the app's use has drawn criticism across the political spectrum. Proponents of immigration say CBP One disadvantages vulnerable migrants, while proponents of tight controls argue that it encourages a policy of opening borders to illegal immigrants.

Critics also fear that the app will exclude those migrants who do not have internet access or the connection is too slow. As well as those who do not speak English or Spanish (the only 2 languages ​​CBP One is available in).

There is also great concern about the potential for fraud. Fraudsters can take money to fill out applications on the app on behalf of migrants, or even kidnap them and demand a ransom from the family.

As it really is, time will tell. In the meantime, let's figure out how to use this application if you want to get to the USA.

On the subject: It will become almost impossible to get asylum at the US border: Biden tightens rules

For starters, it's worth noting that the CBP One app is completely free. It is available for Android on Google Play and for iPhone in the AppStore.

You can download the app, but you must be in Mexico to begin the process of registering for the U.S. border queue.

This is very convenient for those who are already in Mexico: with all the necessary documents on hand, you just need to apply through your phone.

From the very start, you need to create an account or log into an existing one on the CBP website. After you go through verification and confirm your e-mail, you will see a window for selecting your status and travel route. There you need to select Traveler, and then Land, then Submit Advance Information, and the application will redirect you to fill out the information.

You must enter not only your or your family members' information, but also your US sponsor's information (it must be found in advance). The sponsor can be a person with a green card or legal status in the US and, of course, a US citizen. They must be willing to let you live with them and support you financially, explains Marina Shepelsky.

You must indicate the sponsor's address - it will be used for all official letters and court decisions in your case.

Only people who have registered with CBP One and have a sponsor will be allowed to interview with the border guard, after which they will be allowed into the US for asylum.

You must be prepared to talk about why it is dangerous for you to return to your homeland. There are several categories for obtaining asylum in the United States:

• Political Views;
• you are a woman, an LGBTQ+ person, or have been a victim of violence in your country and the police have refused to help you;
• nationality, race or religion.

You must prove, among other things, that either you have been subjected to various types of abuse in the past because of your situation, or that this will happen if you return to your home country.

When you enter your and your sponsor's information, you A 14-day window will open to make an appointment. You can only choose one day - this will be the date and time of your interview.

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Prepare all the documents you have. You can bring an interpreter with you if you need one. But if you don't have one, CBP will give you one absolutely free.

Don't forget to prepare your sponsor's documents - tax returns and sponsorship agreement.

When registering, you must carefully enter all the data that the application requests. Carefully choose the category under which you are applying for asylum. This will minimize errors, and the application will not return you to fill in the information.

When choosing a photo for the application, many advise taking a photo that is not too dark, on which the face is clearly visible. You can also take care of this in advance and, in the old fashioned way, take a photo against a light background, preferably by the window.

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