In McAllen, Texas, recent developments have surfaced regarding the status of migrants who were allowed temporary residency in the United States via an online appointment system established during the Biden administration. These individuals have now been directed to exit the U.S. immediately, though specific numbers remain undisclosed. Over 900,000 migrants have used the CBP One app since its introduction in January 2023, enabling them to stay in the country with work authorization under special presidential powers known as parole, for up to two years.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlighted that the rescinding of parole enforces a commitment to border security and national safety. Despite acknowledging that notices were sent to those who benefited from CBP One, the department did not divulge exact figures. Those affected were advised to willingly depart using the app, now renamed CBP Home.
An illustrative case is a family from Honduras, who entered America late last year and received communication urging their departure. This message was reviewed, and similar notifications have appeared on various social media platforms.
Al Otro Lado, an advocacy group assisting migrants, noted that recipients of these notices originate from nations including Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. CBP One played a crucial role in the Biden administration’s strategy to offer legal entry means, thereby reducing illegal border crossings. As of December’s close, 936,500 individuals accessed the U.S. via CBP One at the Mexican border. The Trump administration ceased this program for new arrivals promptly upon his presidency, affecting thousands awaiting entry.
Under Trump, many temporary protections instituted by Biden have been reversed or concluded. According to DHS, Biden’s deployment of the parole authority – more extensively than any prior president since its 1952 inception – has compounded the significant border crisis.
Moreover, Homeland Security last month revealed the rescission of another parole type impacting 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who entered through sponsorship and self-funded travel, which is set to conclude on April 24. Simultaneously, Trump’s administration announced intentions to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 600,000 Venezuelans and approximately 500,000 Haitians. However, a federal judge issued a temporary reprieve for about 350,000 Venezuelans who were due to lose TPS imminently. TPS is a temporary reprieve extended every 18 months for those from nations deemed unsafe due to calamity or unrest.