Trump’s Second Term and Immediate Immigration Action: Upon President Trump’s inauguration, the administration swiftly took steps to curtail illegal immigration, including shutting down the CBP One app used by migrants to enter the U.S. The app, which was launched during the Biden administration, facilitated the entry of tens of thousands of illegal aliens, with over 900,000 people using it since January 2023.
CBP One App Shutdown and Impact on Migrants: At exactly noon Eastern Time, the CBP One app went offline, coinciding with Trump’s swearing-in. This led to migrants in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, who had scheduled appointments through the app, expressing distress upon learning their appointments were canceled. These migrants were part of a larger group of 270,000 waiting at the southern border.
Function of the CBP One App: The app allowed migrants, primarily from parts of Mexico, to schedule appointments for processing at legal ports of entry. Those admitted could apply for work permits and asylum, though many did not meet international asylum law requirements, which mandate applicants seek refuge in the first safe country they reach.
Border Closures and Security Measures: Border Patrol agents took immediate action to close ports of entry, including temporarily shutting down the El Paso crossing. The closure was part of Trump’s broader strategy to address the border crisis and was followed by a warning to migrants of possible arrest, prosecution, and force if they attempted to cross.
Trump’s Plans for Immigration Policy: In his inaugural address, Trump pledged to halt illegal entry and begin the process of deporting criminal aliens. He also announced plans to reinstate policies from his first term, including Remain in Mexico (requiring asylum seekers to wait outside the U.S.) and Title 42 (to expel migrants to prevent the spread of disease).
