President Donald Trump’s executive order shuts down the CBP One app, canceling all pending immigration appointments and leaving 270,000 migrants in limbo.
Key Insights
- Nearly 919,000 migrants have entered the U.S. through the CBP One app since January 2023.
- The app’s termination could lead to increased illegal border crossings.
- Trump plans to reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy and designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
- The move marks a significant shift from the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
Trump Administration Takes Decisive Action on Immigration
In a bold move to reshape federal immigration policy, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to shut down the CBP One app. This mobile application, introduced by the Biden administration, had been the primary means for migrants to schedule visa appointments at U.S. ports of entry. The sudden termination of the app has resulted in the cancellation of all pending immigration appointments, affecting approximately 270,000 migrants waiting on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The CBP One app, which had been operational since January 2023, allowed nearly 919,000 migrants to enter the United States legally. The app provided various services, including border wait time checks and applications for provisional I-94 entry. Its popularity was evident in the staggering 166 million attempts made by migrants to secure appointments through the platform.
Potential Consequences and Concerns
The termination of the CBP One app has raised concerns about potential increases in illegal border crossings. Andrea Flores, a former White House immigration policy worker, warned about the possible consequences of this decision.
“will likely have no choice but to make an unauthorized crossing” – Andrea Flores
The Biden administration has cautioned that ending the CBP One app could disrupt the current low levels of illegal border entries. Border Patrol recorded fewer than 35,000 apprehensions in January, the lowest since June 2020. This significant decrease in illegal crossings has led to the deactivation of the Biden administration’s asylum restrictions.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Agenda
President Trump’s decision to shut down the CBP One app is part of a larger strategy to overhaul the U.S. immigration system. The Trump administration has announced plans to implement additional measures to combat illegal immigration and enhance border security.
“I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” – Trump
The administration’s plans include reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico policy, which would require cooperation from the Mexican government. Additionally, Trump aims to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and utilize federal and state law enforcement to combat foreign gangs and criminal networks.
Challenges and Future Implications
The termination of the CBP One app and the cancellation of pending appointments have left many migrants in a state of uncertainty. Video footage has shown migrants visibly upset at the Southern border upon learning of their canceled appointments. The Trump administration’s plans for those already admitted through the app remain unclear, and any termination of CBP One could face legal challenges.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these policy changes will impact both legal and illegal immigration, as well as the overall landscape of U.S. border security. The Trump administration’s approach represents a significant departure from the previous administration’s policies, signaling a new era in U.S. immigration enforcement.
Sources:
- About 270,000 migrants waiting to enter U.S. through app Trump has vowed to end, estimates show – CBS News
- Trump ends CBP One app that gave legal entry to nearly 1 mn migrants with online appointments – The Economic Times
- Trump Shuts Down Biden’s Migrant CBP App, Canceling All Pending Immigration Appointments – One America News Network
