On January 20, 2025, shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump ordered the immediate termination of the CBP One app, which had been a lifeline for countless migrants seeking legal entry to the United States. The app, launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of efforts to streamline the immigration process, had allowed almost 1 million individuals to schedule appointments for entry through designated ports along the southern border.
The CBP One app had proved particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, including Haitians and Cubans, who often face perilous journeys owing to political instability and economic hardship. Since its introduction under the Trump administration near the end of his first term, the app evolved to accommodate migrants as part of the Biden administration's approach to handling the influx of people fleeing violence and seeking refuge.
According to CBP, the functionalities of the app have been rescinded, and all existing appointments canceled, leaving thousands of asylum seekers uncertain about their next steps. “Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One™...is no longer available, and existing appointments have been canceled,” the agency declared on its website. This move aligns with Trump's broader immigration agenda, which aims to tighten controls at the border and curb illegal immigration.
The abrupt cancellation of CBP One has left many migrants stranded, with the potential loss of safer pathways to enter the U.S. Consider the experiences of individuals like Yoandis Delgado, who remarked, "CBP One came like a gift from God." For many, the app had offered not just legal access but also hope during dangerous times.
At its peak, the system facilitated the entry of approximately 1,450 migrants daily at eight border ports, yet demand frequently surged beyond this supply. It provided structured access for families and individuals from countries grappling with dire conditions, significantly lowering illegal crossings from nations such as Cuba. For example, figures indicated illegal crossings by Cubans plummeted from about 35,000 to just 97 by September 2023.
Despite these successes, Trump has criticized the app and claimed it served as a “loophole” for immigration, promising during his inaugural address to “suspend refugee intakes for four months” and implement the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which would require asylum seekers to stay south of the border during their legal processes. “All illegal entries will stop immediately, and we will begin the process of returning millions of illegals to the places they came from,” Trump announced.
Advocates and migrant rights organizations have voiced grave concerns over the termination of CBP One. Legal pathways for those fleeing oppression and crises appear to shrink, prompting fears about how this decision will exacerbate already precarious situations for families who had been awaiting legal proceedings. Community support structures, such as shelters along the Mexican border, now face increasing pressure to accommodate the suddenly vulnerable migrants left without structured resources.
The end of CBP One has incited fear throughout the migrant community and among local advocates. Many individuals, previously designated to enter the U.S. legally, find themselves unsure of their fates. Resentment may grow toward policies perceived as overly restrictive, undermining the rights of those seeking refuge. Advocacy groups have moved quickly to challenge the legality of such sweeping immigration reforms, indicating they will file lawsuits to protect the interests of affected families.
Social media buzz and community networks have been pivotal for many migrants as they seek information about alternative pathways and the repercussions of the new policies. Outreach efforts surrounding CBP One and community advocacy played significant roles prior to its demise, but the app’s closure removes a key tool for many who rely on orderly entry, raising questions about the future of asylum seekers.
This sharp turn reflects the polarizing nature of immigration discussions prevalent within U.S. politics today. While the Trump administration may view these measures as fulfilling election promises, they present real-world challenges for families and individuals who had engaged with the system to navigate their paths toward safety. For many, the loss of CBP One marks not only the end of access to legal entry but also the loss of hope during uncertain times.
The shift is not merely administrative; it encapsulates broader themes of fear, resilience, and community within the migrant experience. While it is too soon to predict the long-term ramifications of this decision, what remains clear is the immediate and overwhelming impact on thousands of hopeful migrants now caught between stringent policies and their dreams for safety and opportunity.