
President Trump ends Biden-era migrant app, canceling thousands of pending visa appointments and reshaping immigration policy.
Quick Takes
- Trump administration terminates CBP One app, disrupting visa application process for migrants
- Nearly 919,000 migrants entered the U.S. through the app since January 2023
- 270,000 migrants waiting at the U.S.-Mexico border affected by the shutdown
- Concerns raised about potential increase in illegal border crossings
- Trump plans further executive orders to reverse Biden’s border policies
Trump Administration Scraps CBP One App
In a decisive move, President Donald Trump’s administration has terminated the CBP One app, a key component of the Biden administration’s immigration policy. The mobile application, which facilitated visa applications for migrants, has been shut down effective January 20, 2025. This action has nullified all pending appointments, disrupting the technological infrastructure established for more accessible visa processing.
The CBP One app, introduced by the Biden administration in January 2023, had become the primary gateway for migrants to request processing appointments at U.S. ports of entry. Since its inception, nearly 919,000 migrants have been allowed into the U.S. through this system. The app’s termination leaves approximately 270,000 migrants waiting on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border, hoping to enter the U.S.
Impact on Migrants and Border Security
The demand for CBP One appointments far exceeded the daily cap of 1,450, with migrants attempting to secure appointments over 166 million times. The app’s shutdown has left 30,000 migrants, who were set to enter the U.S. in the next three weeks, in limbo. This abrupt change has raised concerns about potential increases in illegal border crossings.
“will likely have no choice but to make an unauthorized crossing” – Andrea Flores
The Biden administration had previously warned that ending CBP One could lead to increased illegal crossings, disrupting the current low levels of illegal border entries. In January, Border Patrol recorded fewer than 35,000 apprehensions, the lowest since June 2020. However, the Trump administration’s plans for those already admitted through the app remain unclear.
Trump’s Vision for Immigration Policy
President Trump’s decision to end the CBP One app is part of a broader strategy to reshape and restrict existing immigration protocols. The administration plans to sign more executive orders to reverse Biden’s border policies, emphasizing enhanced security and regulatory control over immigration procedures.
“I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” – Trump
Trump aims to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and use federal and state law enforcement to combat foreign gangs and criminal networks. Additionally, the administration plans to reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy, which would require Mexico’s cooperation. These measures represent a dramatic shift away from the digitally assisted scheduling methodologies implemented by the Biden administration.
Potential Consequences and Challenges
The termination of the CBP One app could face legal challenges. Critics argue that halting the app could force migrants to cross illegally, potentially leading to a surge in unauthorized border crossings. The Trump transition team has not yet commented on these concerns.
“Numbers may be low at the border, but it is a completely unsustainable situation that remains completely reliant on Mexico to maintain” – Andrea Flores
As the Trump administration moves forward with its immigration reform plans, the full impact of these policy changes remains to be seen. The coming weeks and months will likely bring further developments as the new administration implements its vision for border security and immigration control.
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