Thousands of migrants who entered the United States during the Biden administration and utilized a special app to schedule asylum appointments are now receiving urgent notifications to leave the country immediately. Approximately 900,000 migrants who entered at the southern border using the app, known as CBP One, were initially granted the ability to remain in the US for two years, along with a form of parole that allowed them to work legally. However, many of these individuals are now facing the revocation of their paroles and potential prosecution if they do not vacate the country.
Former President Donald Trump has consistently pledged to intensify deportation efforts from the US. His administration has recently rebranded the CBP One app to CBP Home, now repurposing it to facilitate self-deportations. An email obtained by the BBC directed one migrant to leave the United States, warning that failure to comply could lead to law enforcement actions resulting in removal, unless they secure a lawful basis to remain.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that the Biden Administration misused its parole authority to permit millions of undocumented immigrants to enter the US, exacerbating what they describe as the worst border crisis in the nation's history. The DHS emphasized that the cancellation of these paroles represents a commitment to the American public to enhance border security and protect national safety.
While it remains unclear how many migrants have received these departure notices, immigration officials have confirmed that some individuals paroled into the US are indeed being contacted. It is important to note that the cancellations and immediate departure orders do not apply to migrants participating in two specific parole programs designed for certain Ukrainian and Afghan nationals. Immigration advocates have reported that migrants from Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador are among those receiving these notifications.
The notice issued to migrants informs them that any benefits associated with their parole, including work authorization, are now nullified. It warns that they may face potential criminal prosecution, civil fines, penalties, and other legal actions available to the federal government if they remain in the country.
Initially launched in 2020, the CBP One app was expanded during the Biden administration to enable prospective migrants to book appointments for entry at designated ports. Officials previously credited this application with helping to reduce border detentions and framed it as part of a broader initiative to safeguard asylum seekers on their often perilous journey to the US. However, in March, the app was rebranded as CBP Home, shifting its purpose to allow undocumented migrants to self-identify and express their intention to leave the country.
The app now includes questions regarding migrants' financial readiness to depart and whether they possess a valid, unexpired passport from their country of origin. In late February, the Biden administration announced plans to establish a national registry for undocumented migrants, warning that those who fail to register could face criminal prosecution. This registration will require all undocumented migrants over the age of 14 to provide their address and fingerprints to the US government. Experts believe that this registration system will encounter significant challenges, citing difficulties in enforcement and potential logistical hurdles.
