Trump cancels CBP One app for migrants: how will this affect the process of legal entry into the US?
As part of new changes to US immigration policy, the Trump administration has removed one of the main features of the popular CBP One app, which allowed migrants to make appointments to enter the US legally.
Here's What We Know
Starting from 20 January 2025, the app will no longer work, and all pre-booked appointments have been cancelled.
CBP One was launched in 2020 and in 2023 became the main tool for migrants seeking legal access to the country. The app allowed migrants to make an appointment and maintain their asylum claim, which was the only way for many to enter the United States. More than 1,400 people used the service every day, and by the end of 2024, more than 900,000 people had used CBP One to enter the country legally.
The CBP One app. Image: Reuters
This decision came as a surprise to users, as no one had warned them about the cancellation of this feature. At the moment, it is not known how the app will be replaced and whether there will be another way for migrants to apply for admission.
The situation with CBP One was even discussed during the election debate. The current US Vice President, J.D. Vance, stated that the app allows undocumented migrants to make an appointment and obtain legal status - although this is not entirely true. Under Biden's administration, the app has been heavily criticised, as it has made the process much slower, with some people having to wait six months to get an appointment.
Source: CBP, The New York Times
