Migrants waiting at the U.S.-Mexico border, including thousands of Haitians, faced devastation on Monday as their scheduled appointments for legal entry into the United States were abruptly canceled. The Biden administration’s CBP One app, which had been a lifeline for asylum seekers, was shut down shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, signaling a dramatic shift in immigration policy.
Immediate Shutdown Sparks Chaos
At noon, coinciding with Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, the CBP One app went offline following an announcement by Customs and Border Protection. The shutdown, one of Trump’s first actions as president, marks the start of an aggressive overhaul of immigration policies. Since its launch in January 2023, CBP One had facilitated the legal entry of over 900,000 migrants, with an average of 43,000 individuals crossing into the U.S. monthly under the Biden administration.
Haitian migrants, many fleeing gang violence, political instability, and economic hardships, were among those most affected. They had relied on the app as a secure and legal pathway to asylum.
Heartbreaking Scenes at the Border
Footage from Juarez, Mexico, captured by a Washington Post reporter, showed migrants in tears at the U.S. border gates after learning their appointments had been canceled. Many had waited months for their turn to enter the U.S., only to see their hopes dashed.
In Mexico, Haitian families face dire conditions, including discrimination, lack of resources, and unsafe environments. According to CBS News, an estimated 270,000 migrants had been waiting at the border, hoping to cross before the change in administration.
Trump Declares Border Crisis a “National Emergency”
During his inaugural address, President Trump labeled the situation at the southern border a “national emergency” and announced plans to deploy U.S. troops to the region. His administration also designated migrant gangs, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as terrorist organizations.
The immediate termination of CBP One is expected to spark legal challenges, as U.S. asylum laws still mandate that migrants must be processed at official ports of entry. CBP One had streamlined this process, making it more efficient and humane for both migrants and border officials.
Uncertain Future for Haitian Migrants
With the app now defunct, thousands of Haitian and other asylum seekers are left in limbo, their future uncertain. Advocates for immigration rights warn that the abrupt policy change will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis at the border and push more migrants into dangerous, illegal crossings.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its immigration agenda, the plight of those stranded at the border highlights the urgent need for a balanced and compassionate approach to addressing the complexities of migration.
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