The CBP One app, a platform that allowed nearly one million migrants to legally enter the United States with work permits, has been discontinued by the Trump administration. This decision, announced shortly after Donald Trump took office, marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and fulfills a key campaign promise to tighten border controls.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the app’s removal, effectively canceling all existing appointments scheduled through the platform. The CBP One app was widely recognized for its role in modernizing migration management. It enabled migrants to book appointments at eight southern border locations through an online lottery system, handling approximately 1,450 appointments daily. The app was especially popular among migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Mexico.
Initially launched during Trump’s first term, the CBP One app was originally designed to assist customs brokers with scheduling inspections and to allow visitors to extend short-term visas. However, under President Joe Biden, the app was repurposed and expanded to address the complexities of the asylum process. It became a central tool for creating a transparent and organized system, replacing previous practices that often relied on pandemic-era exemptions.
The Biden administration regarded the app as a major success. It provided a legal pathway for migrants, reducing pressure on border security while discouraging unauthorized entries. By offering a structured process, the app addressed humanitarian concerns and ensured fairness for those seeking asylum or work permits. Its efficiency in managing large volumes of applicants earned praise for reducing the chaos often associated with migration.
Despite its benefits, the CBP One app faced criticism from those who argued it encouraged increased migration to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump’s decision to terminate the app aligns with his broader agenda to implement stricter immigration controls. This move is part of a larger effort to reverse policies introduced under Biden, particularly those viewed as lenient on migration.
The app’s removal is just one of several immigration measures announced by Trump shortly after taking office. These include a four-month suspension of refugee admissions, the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed, and the deployment of the National Guard to strengthen border security.
The discontinuation of the CBP One app has caused debate across political and social spheres. Supporters of Trump’s decision argue that it aligns with efforts to prioritize border security and reduce migration. Critics, however, view the move as a setback, dismantling a system that provided an effective and humane solution to migration challenges.
For many migrants, the app represented a rare opportunity to navigate the U.S. immigration system without resorting to dangerous or illegal methods. Its removal is expected to increase uncertainty and desperation among those seeking entry into the United States. As the Trump administration continues to implement its immigration policies, the impact of these changes will likely shape the future of U.S. migration and border security.