CBP One’s Future Uncertain Under Trump’s Immigration Plans

CBP One’s Future Uncertain Under Trump’s Immigration Plans \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ As part of a historic Cuban exodus, nurse Karla Figueredo navigated Mexico’s border using the CBP One app, staying at a Tijuana shelter run by Martha Rosales. Rosales, inspired by the help she received from migrants, now operates a vital shelter. CBP One has streamlined legal entry for migrants but faces an uncertain future under President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized the program as overly lenient.

CBP One and the Cuban Exodus: Quick Looks

• Migrants and Shelter: Nurse Karla Figueredo found refuge at Martha Rosales’ home in Tijuana while awaiting U.S. entry.
• CBP One’s Impact: Nearly 1 million migrants have used the app to enter the U.S. legally.
• Rosales’ Mission: Once a bank cleaner, Rosales runs a shelter, helping migrants secure border appointments.
• Cuban Migration: Increased crossings were spurred by anti-government protests and eased travel through Nicaragua.
• Uncertain Future: Trump’s administration may end CBP One, leaving migrants anxious.

Deep Look

The story of nurse Karla Figueredo, shelter operator Martha Rosales, and the CBP One app offers a detailed glimpse into the lives of migrants navigating the complexities of U.S.-Mexico border policies. As the app faces potential elimination under President-elect Donald Trump, its impact on migration, humanitarian efforts, and the lives of individuals like Figueredo and Rosales underscores the stakes for those seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.

CBP One: A Gateway to Legal Entry

Launched during Trump’s first term and expanded under President Joe Biden, the CBP One app has become a cornerstone of U.S. border management. Initially designed to streamline customs inspections, it evolved under Biden to offer migrants a way to schedule appointments for legal entry.

The app provides a structured alternative to illegal crossings and helps create a sense of order at the border. Some key statistics highlight its impact:

• Wide Adoption: Nearly 1 million migrants have entered the U.S. on two-year humanitarian parole permits through CBP One.
• Significant Demand: Toward the end of 2023, an average of 280,000 people competed daily for just 1,450 appointment slots.
• Impact on Cuban Migration: Illegal border crossings by Cubans dropped from nearly 35,000 in April 2022 to just 97 in September 2023.

Despite its successes, CBP One is not without criticism. Advocates for long-term U.S. residents without legal status and visa applicants argue that the app prioritizes new migrants over those who have been waiting for years. Critics also contend that it encourages migration by creating what some see as an overly generous pathway to the U.S.

A Shelter Born of Compassion

At the heart of this narrative is Martha Rosales, a lifelong Tijuana resident who transformed her home into a vital shelter for migrants. Rosales’ mission began after a dog attack left her with severe injuries. A chance encounter with nurse Karla Figueredo, who treated her wounds while staying at her home, inspired her to give back to migrants.

Rosales now runs one of Tijuana’s many migrant shelters, catering primarily to Cubans awaiting their CBP One appointments. Her work includes:

• Providing Refuge: Migrants stay in her home or a nearby rental, where they can watch TV, play games, and do chores.
• Offering Safety: Her modest home, located in a working-class neighborhood, provides a sense of security from potential predators targeting migrants.
• Facilitating Appointments: Rosales shuttles guests to early-morning border crossings, often working through the night to ensure they make their scheduled slots.
• Emotional Support: Known as “Tía Martha,” she cooks meals, throws birthday parties, and offers a listening ear to those in need.

Rosales’ dedication is unwavering despite her modest background. A third-grade dropout and one of 13 siblings, she relies on her faith and community connections to manage her shelter.

Cuban Exodus: A Migrant Crisis

Cuban migration to the U.S. surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and following anti-government protests in 2021. Eased travel requirements in Nicaragua allowed many Cubans to bypass the dangerous Darien Gap jungle and travel directly to Mexico. By spring 2022, Cubans had become one of the largest groups crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

For many, CBP One has been a lifeline. Migrants like Yoandis Delgado, a Cuban cook, describe the app as transformative. “CBP One gave us a sense of possibility, of hope,” Delgado said.

However, the journey to the U.S. remains fraught with challenges:

• Smuggling and Robbery: Migrants often face exploitation by smugglers and harassment by authorities en route to the border.
• Intense Competition for Slots: Securing an appointment through CBP One requires persistence, with many likening it to trying to buy tickets for a popular concert.

An Uncertain Future Under Trump

President-elect Trump’s stance on immigration has raised concerns about the future of CBP One. Trump has criticized the app as overly permissive and signaled plans for a broader crackdown on immigration. His allies argue that the app incentivizes migration and undermines border security.

A 2023 Senate bill sought to ban the app’s use for admitting migrants, reflecting partisan divisions over its role. While the Trump transition team has not commented on its future, anxiety is spreading among migrants who fear the app’s termination could leave them stranded.

Humanitarian Impact of CBP One

Proponents of CBP One emphasize its role in creating legal pathways for migration while reducing chaos at the border. The Biden administration has portrayed it as a key element of its strategy to manage migration humanely and effectively.

For migrants like nurse Karla Figueredo, CBP One provided a structured path to the U.S., allowing her to settle in Houston and pursue a career as a medical assistant. She stays in touch with Rosales, sharing updates about her life and expressing gratitude for the support she received.

Challenges Facing Migrant Shelters

Migrant shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border have adapted to the influx of people using CBP One. These shelters, including Rosales’, are now hubs of activity for migrants awaiting appointments.

Shelters face several challenges:

• Overcrowding: Demand for shelter often exceeds capacity, forcing operators to find creative solutions.
• Resource Constraints: Many shelters, like Rosales’, rely on personal savings, donations, and community support to operate.
• Logistical Demands: Coordinating transportation and appointments requires significant effort, especially given the volume of migrants.

The Broader Migration Landscape

The CBP One app is part of a larger migration strategy aimed at balancing humanitarian concerns with border security. However, the fate of this program under Trump’s administration could have far-reaching implications for migration management in the Americas.

Simon Stiell, the U.N.’s climate change executive secretary, warned of the economic and social consequences of disengaging from global migration challenges. “Ignoring [CBP One] only sends all that vast wealth to competitor economies, while human suffering continues to worsen,” Stiell said.

Conclusion

The story of CBP One, migrants like Figueredo, and shelter operators like Rosales highlights the complex realities of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. For some, the app has been a beacon of hope, offering a legal pathway to safety and opportunity. For others, its uncertain future raises fears of renewed chaos and hardship.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the decisions made about CBP One will shape the trajectory of migration policy, impacting countless lives on both sides of the border.

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