A government watchdog organization has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for information regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s expansion of the CBP One app to admit immigrants from outside the United States. The nonprofit Center to Advance Security in America filed the complaint after the federal government failed to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests. CASA Director James Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of transparency in understanding the origins and decision-making process behind the app’s expansion.
The CBP One app, originally designed for commercial truck drivers, was expanded in January 2023 to allow immigrants in northern Mexico to request appointments with U.S. customs officers for potential admission. An investigation by the Truth Voices highlighted security vulnerabilities in the app that allow users to request appointments from anywhere in the world, potentially circumventing the intended purpose of deterring illegal border crossings.
Despite concerns raised by the investigation, a majority of immigrants who secure appointments with customs officers are granted parole into the U.S. for a two-year period, even if they do not meet refugee status or have a visa. CASA views this implementation as potentially circumventing the law.
After receiving minimal information from previous FOIA requests, CASA decided to sue the DHS and CBP in May for failing to respond within the required timeframe. The organization seeks further transparency and accountability regarding the expansion of the CBP One app and its implications for immigration policy.
