The app used by migrants to cross the U.S.-Mexico border has been hit by the global Microsoft outage that is affecting banks, airlines and businesses around the world.
The CBP One app, used by migrants seeking asylum status, is experiencing technical issues. Waiting times aren’t being displayed in the app, and users are being directed to an error when they attempt to check. The CBP desktop website also appears to be experiencing technical difficulties following the Microsoft outage.
The app allows asylum seekers and migrants to schedule appointments with border officials. Migrants who wish to enter the U.S. legally are required to access the CBP One app to request an appointment at a port of entry to the country. It is the only way, bar a few rare exceptions, to request asylum on the U.S.-Mexico border.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal is seen covered in mud on a border patrol vehicle along the Rio Grande River. The CBP app is down amid the Microsoft outage.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal is seen covered in mud on a border patrol vehicle along the Rio Grande River. The CBP app is down amid the Microsoft outage.
Aaron M. Sprecher/CHERA
Microsoft says users worldwide are unable to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services in a global outage. The cause, the exact nature, and the scale of the outage remain unclear.
The technology giant appeared to suggest in its X, formerly Twitter, posts that the situation was improving, but hours later, widespread outages were being reported by airlines around the world.
According to the Federal Aviation Authority, Delta, United and American airlines flights were all grounded in the U.S.
The issue has also affected businesses like banks and retailers, as it impacted self-checkout and digital payment services, as well as doctors, emergency services and even broadcasters. It wasn’t immediately clear how badly affected the CBP services were and when the app will be working normally again.
Mary Kapron, a researcher for Canada and the USA at Amnesty International, told Newsweek: “People seeking asylum experience challenges using the CBP One application due to an onerous registration process, technological errors and flaws, and a lack of knowledge about the application and how it works.”
“Amnesty International considers that the mandatory use of the CBP One application is the newest iteration of migration and asylum policies implemented by the US government at the US-Mexico border which drastically limit access to asylum in violation of international human rights and refugee law.”
“While the organization recognizes that innovations such as electronic entry management systems could potentially provide for safe transit and more orderly border access, programs like CBP One cannot be used as the exclusive manner of entry into the United States to seek international protection. The organization considers that the CBP One mobile application must not be used to create obstacles.”
CBP acknowledged “processing delays” due to the global outage, but said CBP One was operational. In a statement to Newsweek, the agency said it was “working to mitigate impacts to our operations and are proactively working with our stakeholders to minimize the impact to international trade and travel.”
Update 7/19/24 3:00 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with a statement from CBP.
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Publish date : 2024-07-19 05:47:59
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