Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri has expressed concerns over a reported initiative by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow migrants to use the CBP One app to verify travel documents when boarding airplanes. The senator has written a letter to TSA administrator David Pekoske, urging him to provide answers about this partnership between TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Hawley argues that this practice undermines the rule of law and raises significant security concerns for commercial air travel.
The CBP One app has been in use since January last year to allow migrants presenting themselves at a port of entry to be allowed into the country. Initially, this was due to an exception from the Title 42 public health order, and later expanded as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to provide “lawful pathways” for migrants. The app allows migrants to upload a photograph and provide additional information before their appointment.
CBP has emphasized that those who have entered the country are vetted using biographic and biometric information, and those who are paroled have already provided a photograph. However, Republicans argue that the CBP One app is being used to admit otherwise illegal immigrants. Senator Hawley has previously referred to the app as a “concierge service” for illegal immigration.
Conservative commentator David Rubin recently posted an image showing a sign at Miami International Airport indicating that TSA is partnering with CBP to test the use of CBP One at certain TSA checkpoints. The sign explains the process, which includes optional photo-taking and the provision of alien identification numbers or biographical information. Senator Hawley finds this development outrageous, stating that it gives special privileges to illegal immigrants and prioritizes open border policies over American safety.
Hawley has requested information from TSA regarding the development of this policy, the number of immigrants who have used it, and related documentation. In response to queries, TSA clarified that it does not screen upon entry into the U.S. and that all passengers have the right to opt out of automated facial recognition. If a noncitizen opts out, their live face is checked against a photo taken by CBP to verify their identity. Additionally, TSA denies boarding to noncitizens who cannot be matched to government holdings.
The concerns raised by Senator Hawley come at a time when the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border is entering its third year, with record numbers of encounters. In December alone, there were over 302,000 migrant encounters, and more than 85% of them were being released into the interior of the country, according to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
It remains to be seen how the TSA will respond to Senator Hawley’s concerns and what impact this partnership between TSA and CBP will have on immigration policies and border security.
