WASHINGTON: Immigration advocates have filed a lawsuit against the US government, challenging the use of the CBP One app, which they argue violates the human rights of migrants seeking asylum. The legal action, filed in federal court, alleges that the app creates an electronic waitlist that restricts access to the US asylum process, particularly for marginalized refugees.
The suit was filed by immigration organizations Al Otro Lado and the Haitian Bridge Alliance, along with 10 migrants who claim that the CBP One app hindered their attempts to seek asylum in the United States. Launched by President Joe Biden’s administration in January, CBP One was introduced as the administration eased immigration rules implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Migrants are required to use the app to schedule an appointment at a US port of entry. However, accessing the app poses significant challenges for many migrants, as it necessitates having a smartphone, internet access, and electricity, which are not readily available during their long and perilous journeys fleeing their home countries.
US Asylum App Faces Criticism
Between January and June, approximately 170,000 people managed to schedule appointments through the app, according to authorities. Despite this, the app has faced criticism from migrants and activists alike. The lawsuit alleges that the app’s facial recognition technology has led to discrimination against Black and darker-skinned immigrants, preventing them from obtaining appointments.
The legal challenge argues that the US government’s policy of turning back migrants who have not made an appointment through the app places them in greater danger. Melissa Crow, litigation director for the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, which is representing the plaintiffs, criticized the app’s implementation and referred to it as the latest manifestation of the US government’s efforts to block access to asylum at the southern border.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges to President Biden’s immigration policies. His administration has sought to develop legal migration programs and alternatives to address the issue of illegal crossings. Last month, the US Supreme Court upheld the federal government’s authority to determine which undocumented migrants should be targeted for deportation, despite challenges from Texas and Louisiana.
