A newly launched app by the US Department of Homeland Security has drawn attention after an Indian PhD student used it to leave the country following the revocation of her student visa. The CBP Home App, introduced on March 10 by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, facilitates self-deportation. Even billionaire X Owner and DOGE leader Elon Musk tweeted about it.
New app to assist in self-deportation! https://t.co/cAX5lP4lhd
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 16, 2025
Just a day after its launch (on March 10), Indian student Ranjani Srinivasan utilised the app to notify authorities of her departure before heading to Canada.
What Happened With Ranjani Srinivasan?
Srinivasan, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, found herself in a precarious situation when her student visa was revoked on March 5.
The revocation followed allegations of her supporting Hamas, though she denied any activism or involvement in protests. Columbia University subsequently cancelled her enrollment, leaving her in legal limbo.
With the possibility of deportation looming, she opted to leave voluntarily.
“I’m just surprised that I’m a person of interest,” she told The New York Times from Canada. “I’m kind of a rando, like, absolute random.”
What Is The CBP Home App?
The CBP Home App is a rebranded version of CBP One, which was originally designed for processing asylum claims.
If you’re ready to self-deport, submit your intent to depart on the new CBP Home mobile app: 📶 https://t.co/Pr9bRA4Wag https://t.co/ZiBrdl8kRJ
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) March 15, 2025
The revamped app, however, primarily serves those who wish to self-deport.
It offers several features, including:
- Intent to Depart: Allows individuals to notify the government of their plan to leave the US
- Border Wait Times: Provides real-time updates on land border crossing delays.
- Provisional I-94 Entry: Helps travellers apply for a temporary entry document in advance.
- Agricultural and Biological Inspections: Allows travellers to request inspections for certain restricted goods.
- Traveller Manifest Submission: Enables bus operators to submit passenger information in compliance with regulations.
How Self-Deportation Works
Individuals looking to leave the country using the app must submit an “Intent to Depart” form, complete with biographical details, a current phone number, and confirmation of financial capability to travel.
A valid and unexpired passport is also required.
The US government has positioned the app as a means for undocumented individuals to exit voluntarily, with the possibility of legal re-entry in the future. This approach contrasts with forced deportations, which could result in long-term or permanent bans from re-entering the country.
A Policy Shift Under Trump’s Administration
The CBP One App was originally introduced during Donald Trump’s first term to manage immigration-related processes. Over time, it evolved into a tool for asylum seekers. One of Trump’s early moves after regaining office was to overhaul the application, shifting its primary function to assisting voluntary departures.
While the app’s introduction remains controversial, its impact was swiftly felt in Srinivasan’s case. Her departure underscores how technological tools are being used to reshape immigration policies and enforcement mechanisms in the US.
