Latest news with #CBPLink
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Miami Herald
How an electronic visa waiver can help Miami travelers — but there's a warning
Traveling to Miami and across the United States with an electronic permit is a simple process for those eligible under the Visa Waiver Program. But the U.S. Customs and Border Protection warns of strict rules and 'limitations,' now under increased scrutiny due to new immigration and security policies by Trump administration. 'Foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S must use legal pathways,' said Carlos C. Martel, director of Customs and Border Patrol field operations in Miami and Tampa. Criteria to consider The Customs official reminded travelers that there are two primary legal avenues for tourists seeking to enter the United States: the B-1/B-2 visitor visa and the Visa Waiver Program. 'Each has strict eligibility criteria and limitations,' Martel warned. His post includes an announcement addressed to citizens of the 42 participating countries of the Visa Waiver Program. Both the B-1/B-2 visas and the Visa Waiver Program allow travelers to enter the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. In the case of the VWP, beneficiaries must apply online for what is known as the ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, before entering U.S. territory. Those who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, according to Customs and Border Patrol. Increased monitoring of travelers The Customs announcement follows strong statements from the Trump administration about tightening the monitoring of foreign travelers entering and staying in the U.S. In particular, the U.S. government announced measures against those who remain in U.S. territory after their visas expire, following the terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, for which Egyptian Mohamed Sabry Soliman was accused. This week, Customs also launched the new CBP Link mobile app, described as a 'user-friendly tool' aimed at reducing data requirements and streamlining the entry process. The app includes features for travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program to complete certain airport procedures. Meanwhile, Customs limited the use of its CBP Home platform, which allows migrants to initiate self-deportation.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Admin Reveals New App for Legal Border Crossers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration has announced it is creating a new app for those crossing the United States' borders legally. In launching CBP Link, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that its existing app, CBP Home, would be used solely by immigrants who intend to self-deport. Why It Matters President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have promoted CBP Home as a way for illegal immigrants to safely leave the U.S. without facing ICE custody, but the app also had features for those who need to cross the border legally and often, including to and from Mexico. What To Know In an announcement on Monday, CBP stated that it was splitting the two apps to create a "user-friendly mobile application designed to reduce data requirements." CBP Link will now allow users visiting the U.S. for leisure and work to access a single app that lets them apply for the Visa Waiver Program up to seven days in advance and pay for an I-94 form, which proves legal visitor status. Those entering with perishable cargo needing inspection will also use the app to notify border agents, as will bus operators who need to submit manifests of who and what is on board their vehicles crossing in and out of the country. CBP Link is also where border crossers will find crossing wait times, the agency said. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo displayed on an officer's shoulder at Los Angeles International Airport on May 19, 2025. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo displayed on an officer's shoulder at Los Angeles International Airport on May 19, 2025. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images This is the third change to CBP's app by the Trump administration. It was called CBP One when Trump returned to the White House. It launched under that name during his first term, with similar functions to CBP Link. Under former President Joe Biden, its functions were expanded so immigrants seeking asylum could book appointments with CBP agents, but Trump shut this down in January. In March, the app was repurposed into CBP Home, giving immigrants the option to log their intention to self-deport and then notify the government once they had returned to their home country. It was reported in recent days that around a million people had used the app to avoid being taken into ICE custody, with the Trump administration telling immigrants they may have the option to return to the U.S. via a legal route later. Hundreds of thousands have lost their legal status in recent months, making them deportable. What People Are Saying U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in its announcement Monday: "Those who use the CBP Home mobile app to self-deport receive cost-free travel, forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States, and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app. If they already submitted their intent to depart using previous versions of CBP Home, they will not need to resubmit." What Happens Next The agency said that the apps would be available for download and that the CBP Link app would update with existing users' information.
