Kristi Noem, chosen by Donald Trump for the role of Secretary of Homeland Security, has announced her intention to swiftly shut down the CBP One immigration app if she is confirmed for the position. "On my first day as Secretary, CBP One will be shut down," Noem declared during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The discontinuation of CBP One would occur immediately following January 20, when Donald Trump is set to begin his second term as President of the United States. This issue was a significant topic during Noem's confirmation hearing, where she is expected to oversee critical areas such as border security, deportations, legal immigration processes, emergency responses, cybersecurity, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service.
Noem also mentioned her intention to terminate several "similar programs," specifically targeting the humanitarian parole initiative, arguing that these do not align with national security priorities. Furthermore, she expressed her plan to reinstate the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which was a hallmark of the previous Trump administration. This policy required non-Mexican immigrants to wait in Mexico while their asylum applications were processed in the United States.
"We have the right and the responsibility to protect our borders against those who wish to harm us," Noem stated firmly during her hearing. As the governor of South Dakota, she emphasized the necessity of creating a fair and efficient immigration system: "We must develop an immigration process that is just, legal, efficient, and reflects our values," she concluded.
Controversy Surrounding CBP One
In 2024, the CBP One app became a focal point in the U.S. immigration management system. In August, it was reported that the app expanded its reach to southern Mexican regions, such as Chiapas and Tabasco, enabling migrants, including many Cubans, to secure asylum appointments closer to their locations.
By September, the Mexican National Institute of Migration (INM) had established a "Safe Mobility Corridor" to facilitate the movement of migrants with confirmed CBP One appointments to U.S. border points. However, the victory of Donald Trump in the elections signaled the impending end of this immigration app.
This system faced criticism from Republicans who viewed it as a mechanism for expediting migrant entry, while international organizations like Amnesty International condemned it as restrictive and a violation of international law.
Implications of CBP One Shutdown
What is CBP One?
CBP One is an immigration application used to manage asylum appointments and other immigration processes along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Why does Kristi Noem want to shut down CBP One?
Kristi Noem intends to close CBP One as part of aligning immigration policy with national security priorities, arguing that it facilitates expedited entry for migrants in a manner that conflicts with these priorities.
What was the "Remain in Mexico" policy?
The "Remain in Mexico" policy required non-Mexican asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases were processed in the United States, a policy initially implemented during Trump's previous term.