The sudden closure of the CBP One app, the sole legal pathway for asylum seekers to enter the United States, has plunged hundreds of migrants stranded in Tijuana, Mexico, into despair and uncertainty. These individuals, many of whom journeyed thousands of miles and endured significant hardships to reach the border, had scheduled appointments with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that are now invalidated. The app’s shutdown followed closely on the heels of a declaration of a national emergency at the border by the then-President Trump, leaving migrants with no clear path forward and raising urgent humanitarian concerns. José Rivas, originally from Cuba, expressed the devastating impact of the news, highlighting the emotional and financial toll of the arduous journey and the desperation of being so close to their goal only to be denied entry. Similarly, Maria Mercado, who fled drug cartels in Colombia and then Ecuador, pleaded for the opportunity to enter the US, emphasizing the dire circumstances that forced her family to seek refuge. These stories reflect the widespread anxiety and vulnerability of the stranded migrants.
The CBP One app, implemented in 2023, had facilitated the entry of approximately one million migrants into the US, providing a structured system for asylum applications and scheduling CBP appointments. The app’s closure effectively halted this process, leaving tens of thousands of February appointments cancelled and creating a backlog of desperate individuals seeking refuge. The US-Mexico border, spanning over 1,900 miles, primarily along the Rio Grande in Texas, has become a focal point of migration challenges, with Tijuana, bordering San Diego, processing around 400 people daily. The abrupt shutdown has created chaos and heartbreak at these crossing points, with scenes of distraught individuals weeping and embracing as their hopes of entering the US are dashed. The situation underscores the precarious position of migrants relying on this now-defunct system and the urgent need for alternative solutions.
The sudden policy shift has left migrants with limited options and a profound sense of uncertainty. While those with appointments scheduled on Monday morning were initially allowed entry, the long-term implications of the national emergency declaration and deployment of military personnel remain unclear. Many migrants stranded at the border hold only transit visas for Mexico, specifically designed for reaching the US border, leaving them in legal limbo within Mexico. The lack of clear information about the new procedures and potential deportations has exacerbated the anxiety and fear among these vulnerable populations.
In response to the growing crisis, a concerted effort is underway to provide temporary shelter and support for the stranded migrants. Churches, aid organizations, and Mexican authorities are working to increase capacity at existing shelters and establish temporary tent camps to accommodate the influx of individuals. These efforts are particularly crucial given the anticipated increase in deportations from the US, further compounding the pressure on resources and support systems. Enrique Serrano, coordinator of the state population council, highlighted the lack of clear guidance from US authorities regarding the deportation process, emphasizing the challenges in preparing for the unknown number of individuals who will be returned to Mexico. The uncertainty surrounding the scale and timing of deportations makes planning and resource allocation extremely difficult.
The Mexican government is also implementing a program to assist citizens deported from the US. This program, spearheaded by then-Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to provide comprehensive support, including access to healthcare, job placement assistance, travel support to return to their hometowns, and, if necessary, financial aid. This initiative reflects Mexico’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of its citizens caught in the crossfire of changing US immigration policies. The program aims to mitigate the impact of deportation by providing a safety net and facilitating reintegration into Mexican society.
The situation in Tijuana highlights the human cost of fluctuating immigration policies and the desperate plight of asylum seekers caught in the middle. The sudden closure of the CBP One app, the lack of clear information, and the looming threat of deportations have created a humanitarian crisis, leaving vulnerable individuals stranded and uncertain about their future. The collaborative efforts of Mexican authorities, aid organizations, and churches to provide temporary shelter and support are crucial in mitigating the immediate impact of this policy shift. However, the long-term solution requires addressing the root causes of migration and establishing a more humane and predictable asylum process that respects the rights and dignity of those seeking refuge.
