President Donald Trump’s executive order terminates the CBP One app, canceling all migrant visa appointments and reshaping U.S. immigration policy.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s executive order shuts down the CBP One app, canceling all pending immigration appointments.
- Nearly 919,000 migrants have been allowed into the U.S. through the CBP One app since January 2023.
- Approximately 270,000 migrants are waiting on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border to enter through the app system.
- The termination of the app could potentially lead to increased illegal border crossings.
- Trump plans to implement stricter immigration policies, including designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Trump’s Executive Order Ends CBP One App
President Donald Trump has taken a decisive step in reshaping U.S. immigration policy by issuing an executive order to terminate the CBP One app. This mobile application, introduced by the Biden administration, had been a crucial tool for migrants to schedule visa appointments and enter the country legally. The order, effective January 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, has resulted in the cancellation of all existing appointments made through the app.
The CBP One app had been serving as the primary gateway for migrants to request processing appointments at U.S. ports of entry. Since its inception in January 2023, the app had facilitated the entry of nearly 919,000 migrants into the United States. The demand for appointments through the app had far exceeded the daily cap of 1,450, with migrants attempting to secure slots over 166 million times.
Impact on Migrants and Border Security
The termination of the CBP One app has left approximately 270,000 migrants waiting on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border in limbo. These individuals had been hoping to enter the U.S. through the app system, which provided a legal and orderly process for entry. The sudden cancellation of all pending appointments has created uncertainty and frustration among the migrant population.
“DONALD TRUMP, AFTER BEING SWORN IN AS THE 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, ANNOUNCED THE TERMINATION OF THE CBP ONE APP, A BIDEN-ERA BORDER APP THAT FACILITATED LEGAL ENTRY FOR NEARLY 1 MILLION MIGRANTS THROUGH ONLINE APPOINTMENTS.” –The Economic Times
Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of ending the CBP One app. Andrea Flores, a former White House immigration policy worker, warned that halting the app could force migrants to resort to illegal crossings. The Biden administration had previously cautioned that terminating CBP One could lead to an increase in unlawful border entries, disrupting the current low levels of illegal crossings.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Strategy
The termination of the CBP One app is part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration to overhaul U.S. immigration policies. President Trump has outlined plans to implement stricter measures to control immigration and enhance border security.
“We will reinstate my remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country. Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.” – Trump
These plans include ending Biden-era programs such as CHNV, which allowed certain migrants to fly to the U.S. with American sponsors. Trump has also expressed intentions to reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy, although this would require cooperation from the Mexican government. Additionally, the administration aims to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and utilize federal and state law enforcement to combat foreign gangs and criminal networks.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
The termination of the CBP One app and the broader changes to immigration policy may face legal challenges. The Trump administration’s plans for those already admitted through the app remain unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Furthermore, the sudden cancellation of appointments and the potential increase in illegal crossings could create new challenges for border security and immigration management.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these policy changes will impact the overall landscape of U.S. immigration and border security. The coming months will likely see further developments and potential adjustments to the new immigration strategies implemented by the Trump administration.
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
