President Trump’s administration shuts down Biden-era migrant app, canceling all pending immigration appointments and signaling a major shift in U.S. border policy.
Key Takeaways
- Trump administration orders closure of CBP One app, canceling all pending migrant appointments
- Nearly 919,000 migrants had been allowed into the U.S. through the app since January 2023
- Approximately 270,000 migrants are waiting on the Mexican side of the border, hoping to enter through the app
- Critics warn that ending the app could lead to increased illegal border crossings
- Trump plans to implement broader changes to immigration policy, including designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations
Trump Administration Ends CBP One App
In a decisive move, President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered the shutdown of the CBP One app, a key initiative of the Biden administration designed to facilitate visa processing for migrants. The closure of this app marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, effectively canceling all pending appointments and leaving approximately 270,000 migrants waiting on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border in limbo.
The CBP One app, introduced in January 2023, had been the primary gateway for migrants to request processing appointments at U.S. ports of entry. Since its inception, nearly 919,000 migrants had been allowed into the U.S. through this system. The app’s termination was announced by President Trump shortly after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Impact on Migrants and Border Security
The sudden closure of the CBP One app has left many migrants in a state of uncertainty. Video footage from the Southern border shows migrants visibly upset upon learning that their appointments had been canceled. The demand for CBP One appointments had far exceeded the daily cap of 1,450, with migrants attempting to secure appointments over 166 million times.
“Effective January 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, the functionalities of CBP ONE that previously allowed undocumented aliens to submit advance information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry is no longer available. All appointments have been cancelled.” the agency announced.
Critics of the move, including Andrea Flores, a former White House immigration policy worker, have warned that halting the CBP One app could force migrants to cross illegally. Flores stated that migrants “will likely have no choice but to make an unauthorized crossing” now that the legal pathway has been closed.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Plans
The closure of the CBP One app is just one part of Trump’s broader plan to reshape federal immigration policy. The President has announced his intention to sign more executive orders to reverse Biden’s border policies and implement stricter measures.
“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
Trump’s plans include designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and using federal and state law enforcement to combat foreign gangs and criminal networks. He has also expressed his intention to reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy, which would require cooperation from the Mexican government.
Potential Consequences and Challenges
The Biden administration had warned that ending the CBP One app could lead to increased illegal crossings, potentially disrupting the current low levels of illegal border entries. In January, Border Patrol recorded fewer than 35,000 apprehensions, the lowest since June 2020. The termination of the app could face legal challenges, and the Trump administration’s plans for those already admitted through the app remain unclear.
“Numbers may be low at the border, but it is a completely unsustainable situation that remains completely reliant on Mexico to maintain” – Andrea Flores
As the situation unfolds, the impact of this policy change on border security, illegal crossings, and the lives of thousands of migrants awaiting entry into the United States remains to be seen. The Trump administration’s approach to immigration continues to be a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
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
