On Monday, Jan. 20, thousands of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border faced devastation when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the shutdown of the CBP One app. The app had been a crucial tool for scheduling appointments to legally enter the United States.
For months, migrants from Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia, and other countries waited patiently for their chance to cross. Many were filled with hope as they finally received appointments. But their dreams were shattered when the announcement came just hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as president.
Maria Mercado, a Colombian migrant, was among those affected. She and her family had an appointment scheduled for 1 p.m. on the day of the shutdown—just four hours too late. Standing near the border with tears in her eyes, she said, “We don’t know what we are going to do.”
Maria’s journey to the U.S. had been filled with hardship. Fleeing violence in Colombia, she moved to Ecuador, only to encounter cartel threats there too. Desperate for safety, her family traveled to Mexico, hoping to find refuge in the United States.
The CBP One app had been a lifeline for many migrants, especially those from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Mexico. It facilitated entry for nearly 1 million people since its launch in January 2023, giving 1,450 migrants daily appointments at eight border crossings.
However, the app’s sudden shutdown left tens of thousands stranded. February appointments were canceled, and migrants were left uncertain about their futures.
Jairol Polo, a 38-year-old Cuban, had spent six months trying to secure an appointment. He finally got one for Jan. 22 in Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas. But when he arrived on Jan. 20, he discovered his appointment was canceled. “Imagine how we feel,” he said dejectedly.
Some migrants with earlier appointments were able to cross the border before the shutdown. Andrum Roman, a 28-year-old Venezuelan, was among the last to use the app in Ciudad Juarez. “We are a little safer now because we are here,” he said.
Others, like Venezuelan Rober Caruzi, shared stories of perseverance. “I reached the border twice and was sent back twice, but I didn’t lose hope,” he said after finally entering El Paso, Texas.
The CBP One app had been seen as a symbol of hope for migrants seeking legal entry into the U.S. Its sudden shutdown has left thousands in despair, unsure of their next steps. For many, the dream of a better future in America now seems further away than ever.
