Trump administration ends migrant app, suspends refugee admissions amid criticism
The Trump administration has terminated the CBP One app, a tool introduced under the Biden administration to allow migrants to schedule asylum appointments. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Monday that the app is no longer operational and canceled all existing appointments.
The CBP One app was created to streamline the asylum process, reducing illegal border crossings by requiring migrants to secure appointments for asylum requests. Since its launch, over 936,500 appointments were scheduled, with CBP processing 44,000 asylum-seekers in December 2024 alone. The decision has left many migrants in despair.
Separately, President Trump signed an executive order suspending refugee admissions for at least 90 days, citing security concerns. The suspension affects 2,000 Afghan refugees who had been approved for U.S. resettlement. Shawn VanDiver, head of the Afghan Evac initiative, warned that many Afghan allies, already at risk of Taliban retaliation, are now left in limbo.
Critics argue the suspension exacerbates a humanitarian crisis for stranded Afghans facing persecution and economic hardships. Republican lawmakers have also criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which left many Afghan allies behind.
During the suspension, the Departments of Homeland Security and State will evaluate the refugee program’s alignment with U.S. interests. Advocates stress the importance of addressing the plight of vulnerable populations, urging swift action to support migrants and refugees.
