President Donald Trump wasted no time in enacting sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy, shutting down the CBP One app within moments of being sworn in for his second term. The app, which had facilitated nearly one million legal entries under the Biden administration, was immediately disabled, leaving thousands of migrants stranded and in tears at the southern border.
Despair at the Border
Migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border expressed anguish over the sudden change. Margelis Tinoco, a Colombian woman waiting to cross into El Paso from Ciudad Juarez, broke down when the app went dark. “I waited so long to do this the right way,” she said, visibly distraught.
Similarly, Yaime Perez, a Cuban asylum seeker, was seen sobbing at the Paso del Norte International Border Bridge. Perez, like many others, had used the app to secure an appointment for legal entry, only to find her hopes dashed.
Johnny Flores, a Venezuelan migrant, voiced his frustration:
“We had the courage to wait for our appointments and do it legally. Now they’ve canceled everything. It’s unfair.”
CBP One: A Vital Tool Discontinued
The CBP One app, introduced by the Biden administration, allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments at border crossings and was also used by travelers to expedite customs processes. It was instrumental in facilitating legal pathways for migrants but was abruptly terminated as part of Trump’s first executive actions.
The CBP website confirmed:
“Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One… are no longer available, and existing appointments have been canceled.”
A New Era of Immigration Policy
During his inaugural address, President Trump declared:
“All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens to the places they came from.”
The closure of CBP One is part of a broader crackdown, which includes:
- Reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait outside the U.S. for their court dates.
- Ending the catch-and-release policy.
- Increasing border security with additional deployments of U.S. troops.
Trump also hinted at reexamining birthright citizenship and asylum rules.
Stranded Migrants and Rising Tensions
With border crossings temporarily closed in major hubs like El Paso, riot police in full gear were deployed to prevent potential unrest. Migrants shared stories of their harrowing journeys through jungles and deserts, only to face disappointment upon arrival.
Despite their struggles, some migrants, like Flores, remain determined:
“If I waited seven months for an appointment, I can wait a few days to see what happens.”
Advocates and Critics Respond
Advocates for migrants criticized the abrupt policy change, calling it cruel and disruptive to those seeking legal entry. Legal experts raised concerns about potential violations of the 14th Amendment, particularly regarding birthright citizenship proposals.
For now, the southern border stands as a focal point of Trump’s second term, embodying his promise to enforce stricter immigration controls and redefine U.S. border policies.
