Fact Check: Is CBP One still available?

Is CBP One Still Available?

The claim in question is whether the CBP One application, a tool designed for migrants to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry (POEs), is still available for use. This app was launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to facilitate a more orderly and humane process for migrants seeking entry into the United States.

What We Know

1. Launch and Functionality: The CBP One app was officially launched on January 18, 2023, and is designed to allow migrants to schedule appointments at certain Southwest border land POEs. The app is available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, and it supports both English and Spanish languages 123.

2. Appointment Scheduling: Initially, the app allowed users to schedule appointments with new dates released daily at 9 a.m. EST, up to 14 days in advance. As of recent updates, the number of appointments available through the app has increased to 1,450 per day, up from 1,250 earlier in the year 68.

3. Recent Changes: There have been multiple updates regarding the app's functionality. For instance, on January 21, 2025, CBP announced the removal of the scheduling functionality within the app 4. This suggests that while the app may still exist, its primary purpose of facilitating appointment scheduling may have been altered or eliminated.

4. Current Status: As of the latest available information, the app is still operational, but the specifics of its functionality may have changed. The most recent updates indicate ongoing adjustments to the app to improve its utility for migrants 68.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they originate from official government publications and reputable news organizations. However, it's important to critically assess the context and potential biases:

• Government Sources: The information from CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is authoritative but may carry a bias towards presenting the program in a positive light. The CBP's official announcements 123568 are designed to inform the public about their services and improvements, which could lead to a lack of critical perspective on any shortcomings or issues with the app.

• Media Coverage: Articles from reputable news organizations like NPR provide a broader context and may include perspectives from migrants and advocates, which can highlight challenges not addressed in official communications 10. However, media reports can also reflect their own biases based on editorial choices.

• Conflicting Information: The announcement regarding the removal of scheduling functionality raises questions about the app's current utility. If the primary function of scheduling appointments has been removed, it would significantly alter how migrants can use the app. This change has not been widely reported in the context of the app's availability, indicating a potential gap in public understanding.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To fully assess the current status of the CBP One app, further information would be beneficial, including:

• User Experiences: Testimonials or case studies from migrants who have used the app recently could provide insight into its current functionality and effectiveness.
• Official Clarifications: Detailed statements from CBP or DHS regarding the specific changes to the app and its intended use would clarify any confusion about its current capabilities.
• Third-Party Evaluations: Independent assessments from immigration advocacy groups or researchers could offer a critical perspective on the app's impact and usability.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that the CBP One application is still available for use is mostly true, as the app remains operational and can be downloaded. However, significant changes have occurred regarding its functionality, particularly the removal of the scheduling feature, which alters its primary purpose. This nuance is critical, as it affects how migrants can utilize the app for their needs.

While the app is still accessible, the lack of clarity surrounding its current capabilities and the recent changes to its functionality highlight the limitations in the available evidence. The information primarily comes from official sources, which may present a biased view, and there is a need for independent evaluations to fully understand the app's impact.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and seek out diverse perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the CBP One app's current status and utility.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "Fact Sheet: CBP One Facilitated Over 170,000 Appointments in Six Months." DHS Fact Sheet
2. U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. "DHS Scheduling System Border Processing Goes Live on CBP OneTM App." DHS Scheduling System
3. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "DHS Scheduling System for Safe, Orderly and Humane Border Processing." DHS Announcement
4. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "CBP Removes Scheduling Functionality in CBP One™ App." CBP Announcement
5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "CBP One™ Fact Sheet - English." CBP Fact Sheet
6. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "CBP Makes Changes to CBP One™ App." CBP Changes
7. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "CBP One™ Application Update Announcement - English." CBP Update
8. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "CBP One™ Appointments Increased to 1,450 Per Day." CBP Appointments
9. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "CBP Releases December 2023 Monthly Update." CBP Monthly Update
10. NPR. "DHS tells migrants who used CBP One to leave 'immediately'." NPR Article