Hope Dashed: Trump Scraps CBP One App,Leaving Migrants in Limbo
TIJUANA,Mexico – A wave of despair washed over migrant communities across Mexico on Monday as President Donald Trump abruptly shut down the CBP One app,a lifeline for thousands hoping to enter the United States legally.The app, launched by the Biden administration, had processed nearly a million asylum requests since January 2023, offering a glimmer of hope in a complex and often perilous journey.
For manny, the news came as a devastating blow. María Mercado, a Colombian refugee who fled violence and cartels, had an appointment scheduled for Monday afternoon. Tears streamed down her face as she realized her dream of reaching the United States with her family was shattered. “We don’t know what to do,” she said, standing mere meters from the American border.
The CBP One app, a digital lottery system, granted 1,450 appointments daily at eight designated border crossings. Venezuelans,Cubans,Haitians,and Mexicans,among others,eagerly awaited their chance to apply for asylum under parole,a presidential power rarely used to such an extent.
Jairol Polo, a 38-year-old Cuban who had spent six months trying to secure an appointment, flew from Mexico City to Matamoros, only to find his hopes dashed upon arrival. Andrum Román, a Venezuelan who crossed the border at Ciudad Juárez earlier Monday, expressed a mixture of relief and uncertainty, knowing the app would no longer be available for others.The sudden closure of CBP One has left many stranded, their futures uncertain. Matthew Hudak, a retired deputy director of the Border Patrol, believes the move could incentivize illegal crossings. “The message is, ‘We’re not going to let you show up; the door is not open,'” he explained. “For that to make sense, there has to be some level of result if you bypass any legal means and do it illegally.”
The Trump administration’s decision coincides with the reinstatement of the “Stay in Mexico” policy, forcing asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting their immigration court hearings. this combination of measures has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of migrants,who now face a more perilous and uncertain journey.
juan Andrés Rincón Ramos, a 19-year-old Venezuelan who had finally received an appointment through CBP One, now faces a bleak reality.”It was a moment of hope, but it didn’t last long,” he said, his voice heavy with disappointment. “Everyone believed in the American dream, but we all made mistakes.”
CBP One Shut Down: An Expert Weighs In on the Impact on Migrants
Time.news editor: The abrupt shutdown of the CBP One app has sent shockwaves through the migrant community. Can you shed light on the implications of this decision for those hoping to seek asylum in the U.S.?
Matthew Hudak,Retired Deputy Director of the Border Patrol: This move by the Trump governance is a significant setback for migrants seeking legal entry into the U.S. The CBP One app was a crucial tool,providing a structured and official way to apply for asylum. It’s closure sends a disheartening message: the door to legal immigration is effectively being shut.
Time.news Editor: What are the immediate consequences for migrants who were relying on CBP One?
Matthew Hudak: Many migrants had scheduled appointments,like the Colombian refugee María Mercado,who was devastated to learn her dream of reaching the US with her family was shattered. These individuals are now left in limbo, unsure of their next steps.
Time.news Editor: How will this decision likely affect the number of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally?
Matthew Hudak: It’s reasonable to expect an increase in illegal crossings. The message is now, “If you can’t get in legally, try to get in illegally.” To deter this, the message needs to be counteracted with prompt and efficient processing procedures for those who seek legal entry.
Time.news Editor: The Trump administration is also reinstating the “Stay in Mexico” policy, forcing asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting court hearings. How will these two policies, implemented together, impact migrants?
Matthew Hudak: This combination of measures creates a very perilous situation for migrants. Not only are they facing an increasingly arduous path to legal entry, but they’re also being forced to remain in Mexico, where safety and access to basic services can be precarious.
Time.news Editor: Do you see any potential solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of these policies?
Matthew Hudak: There’s an urgent need for increased staff and resources at the U.S. border, as well as a focus on efficient processing of asylum claims. Additionally, international cooperation is crucial to address the root causes driving migration, such as poverty and violence.