Desperation is mounting among migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border following the announcement on January 20th that the CBP One mobile app, used to schedule appointments and seek asylum in the United States, has been shut down. In Ciudad Juárez, dozens of migrants were anticipating their 1:00 p.m. appointments for parole through the app, only to discover just 20 minutes prior that the app had been closed and their appointments invalidated.
In a scene of distress, Margelis Tinoco, a 48-year-old from Colombia, broke down in tears upon seeing the app notification, questioning why this was happening as she stood among a line of migrants who similarly couldn't attend their appointments. This occurred as Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address as the 47th President of the United States, marking the end of the CBP One app, which under Joe Biden's administration allowed over 900,000 migrants to enter the country.
Users of the mobile app are now greeted with the following message: "As of January 20, 2025, the CBP One features that previously allowed undocumented foreign nationals to submit information in advance and schedule appointments at eight southwestern border ports of entry are no longer available, and existing appointments have been canceled. For further inquiries, please contact the CBP Office of Public Affairs."
This notification not only signals the end of the CBP One app but also nullifies all previously scheduled appointments, rendering them void.
On Monday, Donald Trump commenced his second term with a firm stance, signing 10 executive orders, including the declaration of a National Emergency to deploy Department of Defense and National Guard personnel to bolster border control with Mexico. Additionally, the revival of the "Remain in Mexico" policy was approved, a measure first enacted in 2019 that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in the U.S.
Another program anticipated to be terminated following Trump's inauguration is the humanitarian parole, which benefits Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans.
Impact of CBP One Shutdown on Migrants
Why was the CBP One app closed?
The CBP One app was closed as part of the policy changes implemented by Donald Trump at the start of his second term, aiming to tighten border control.
What happens to migrants with canceled appointments?
Migrants with canceled appointments are left without scheduled opportunities to enter the U.S. legally and must seek alternative means to address their immigration status.
What is the "Remain in Mexico" policy?
The "Remain in Mexico" policy requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their asylum requests are processed in the United States, rather than entering the U.S. while awaiting a decision.