EL PASO, Texas — The Trump administration made headlines on January 20, 2025, by abruptly terminating the CBP One app, which had enabled migrants to schedule appointments for asylum requests at U.S. ports of entry. This decision came just moments after President Donald Trump took the oath of office, marking the start of his promised crackdown on immigration.
The app was initially developed by the Biden administration to facilitate the legal entry of migrants, allowing nearly one million individuals to secure appointments at eight designated ports of entry. Now, all those arrangements are canceled, leaving thousands of migrants scrambling.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the announcement on the app’s webpage stated, "Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One… is no longer available, and existing appointments have been canceled." This clear message shocked many who had traveled long distances, hoping for legal entry to the United States.
News outlets reported scenes of despair at border crossings. For many, like Maura Hernandez, who arrived with her small children after months of dangerous travel, the cancellation meant more than just lost appointments. "I am in shock," she expressed, reflecting the anguish of many families who had braved dangerous journeys for months.
Migrants faced overwhelming emotions just hours after Trump’s inauguration. Ridel Jiménez, who had escaped Cuba with his family, lamented, "After everything we’ve done and gone through to get here," upon receiving the disheartening news. The Trump administration's swift action signaled significant changes to the policies around asylum and border security.
During his inauguration speech, Trump stated, "I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted…" These statements set the tone for his administration's approach to immigration, promising to revert to stricter controls reminiscent of his first term.
The CBP One app, which allowed for up to 1,450 appointments per day, was integral to the Biden administration's strategy for managing asylum seekers. With the app's removal, critics fear the chaos previously seen at the border could return. Under Biden, the app helped streamline entry and provided migrants with structured pathways to seek asylum.
With Trump’s return to office, expectations are mounting around the implementation of policies rooted in the "Remain in Mexico" strategy. This controversial policy compelled asylum seekers to wait south of the border as their cases were adjudicated, often exposing them to dangerous conditions.
The immediate impact of the app's discontinuation was stark. Reports indicated about 30,000 migrants had appointments scheduled on the day of the shutdown. Many had already invested significant resources and time—traveling for months and spending thousands of dollars—only to see their hopes dashed by a swiftly shifting political climate. Cleimer Marin, who had traveled from Honduras with her young son, poignantly noted, "This was the safest way to do it," just before her scheduled appointment evaporated.
The ramifications of the CBP One app's cancellation extend beyond the immediate inconvenience. It highlights the significant shift not only within the administration’s policies but also the emotional toll on those attempting to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Critics of the administration’s new approach warn it could exacerbate already challenging conditions for migrants fleeing violence and persecution.
During the first weeks of Trump’s presidency, the administration's focus on enforcement, including vows to end programs like CBP One, aligns with his longstanding rhetoric of toughening border security measures. Statistics reflect the challenges he faces; the number of encounters at the southern border has shown fluctuation, with CBP recording high numbers just months prior. Still, Trump aims to reverse the immigration trends established under his predecessor.
Advocates for migrants argue the app’s shutdown will do little to address the root causes of migration. Many groups, including Global Refuge and others, have raised alarms over the now-canceled pathways for legitimate asylum seekers. They note, "This is déjà vu of the darkest kind," referencing the hardships faced by migrants returned to dangerous environments.
Despite the obstacles, migrants remain determined. Many continue to arrive at the border, hoping for another opportunity to seek legal entry. The cancellation of the CBP One app adds another hurdle to their already perilous journeys, but their resilience is evident as they navigate the uncertain paths laid before them.
Overall, the cancellation of the CBP One app signifies the dawn of a new era for U.S. immigration policy, reinforcing Trump's commitment to more stringent measures at the southern border. The road forward remains fraught with uncertainty for thousands of hopeful refugees and asylum seekers searching for safety and opportunity.