The Trump administration announced Monday the termination of the CBP One app, a Biden-era tool that allowed nearly 1 million migrants to legally enter the United States with work eligibility. The app, which facilitated appointment scheduling at eight southwest border ports of entry, was shut down following Trump’s inauguration. A notice on the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website confirmed that existing appointments had been canceled.
The move fulfills a campaign promise from Trump, who faced criticism from opponents who viewed the app as a “magnet” for migrants. The app, which used an online lottery system, had been popular for giving appointments to 1,450 people daily, granting them temporary immigration “parole,” a presidential authority used extensively by President Joe Biden.
In addition to canceling the app, Trump is preparing to sign a series of executive orders aimed at tightening U.S. border security. His measures are expected to include deploying more U.S. military personnel to the southern border and revising who qualifies for U.S. citizenship.
During his inaugural address, Trump vowed to declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, stating, “All illegal entry will immediately be halted,” and promising to begin the process of returning “millions of criminal aliens” to their home countries.
The executive orders outlined Monday are expected to severely limit asylum access, suspend the refugee program for four months, and force migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico while awaiting hearings.
These measures echo steps taken during Trump’s first term, many of which faced legal challenges. However, Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, marks a new and controversial approach that is likely to be contested in the courts.
Trump also intends to designate criminal cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, particularly targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has become notorious for crimes throughout the Americas, including the U.S. He also plans to end the practice of “catch-and-release” and reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed.
In addition to these changes, Trump is preparing to complete the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a key promise of his first term. While specifics on the scope of the border wall construction were not provided, Trump plans to enlist the help of the U.S. military and the Department of Defense.
The Trump administration’s proposed actions on immigration and border security will likely face significant legal hurdles, as well as opposition from immigrant communities and human rights advocates.
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