A tense and emotional scene unfolded at the southern border as migrants, including Margelis Tinoco, a woman from Colombia, faced uncertainty after President Trump took action on his first day in office.

Margelis, who had been awaiting her turn to cross into the U.S. from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, was devastated when the CBP One app, which had been helping migrants schedule appointments and enter the U.S., suddenly went dark.

The app, a tool used by the previous administration, had been vital in assisting migrants with entering the country, but on January 20, 2025, it was shut down.

This decision affected many people like Margelis, leaving them stranded and unsure of their next steps.

A Sudden Change in Policy

The shutdown of CBP One was just one part of a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy under the new president.

The app had helped streamline the entry process for migrants, asylum seekers, and even tourists, with over one million users taking advantage of its services since its inception.

By making it easier to schedule appointments and provide advance information to U.S. authorities, the app expedited the process for many.

However, with Trump’s inauguration, the app’s functionalities were canceled, sparking panic among those relying on it to cross into the U.S.

As President Trump took office, he wasted no time in making his mark on border security.

He delivered bold promises, including halting illegal immigration, addressing the migrant crisis, and deporting millions of migrants who had entered the U.S.

He also vowed to declare a national emergency at the southern border, drawing applause from his supporters during his swearing-in speech.

One of his primary goals was to end what he viewed as a broken immigration system and tighten control over U.S. borders.

The New Approach to Border Security

Trump’s first day in office was marked by significant executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policies.

One of the most notable was the reimplementation of the “Remain in Mexico” policy.

This policy required migrants to stay in Mexico while they awaited their asylum hearings in the U.S., which was a drastic shift from the previous administration’s approach of allowing asylum seekers to stay in the U.S. while their cases were processed.

In addition, Trump announced the suspension of the catch-and-release policy, which allowed migrants to be released into the U.S. as they awaited court dates.

These measures are part of a larger strategy to curb illegal immigration and tighten border security.

The president’s rhetoric surrounding these policies focused on making the border more secure and reducing the number of illegal entries.

Controversial Measures and Legal Challenges

As President Trump presses forward with his immigration agenda, some of his proposed changes have sparked legal debates.

For example, Trump has expressed intentions to revisit birthright citizenship, which grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, even if their parents are undocumented.

This move has raised concerns among legal scholars, with some arguing that it conflicts with the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which enshrines the principle of birthright citizenship.

Additionally, Trump’s executive orders are expected to lead to a further militarization of the border, with reports suggesting the deployment of U.S. troops to assist in border security.

These measures are part of a broader effort to address what Trump has called a national crisis, with security at the southern border becoming a central issue in his second term.

The Situation on the Ground

As Trump’s policies take effect, migrants in cities like Ciudad Juarez are feeling the immediate impact.

For instance, many waiting for their scheduled appointments through CBP One were left without recourse after the app was shut down.

Photos and reports from the border show scenes of confusion and frustration as migrants learned their appointments were no longer valid.

In El Paso, Texas, border crossings were temporarily closed, with authorities in full riot gear stationed along the border to maintain order.

With the new administration’s tough stance on immigration, the situation at the border remains tense.

As Trump’s policies continue to unfold, the fate of migrants like Margelis, who are left in limbo, hangs in the balance.

While the administration’s efforts to strengthen border security may appeal to some, they also raise important questions about human rights, legal challenges, and the future of U.S. immigration policy.

Only time will reveal the long-term effects of these changes on migrants and the country as a whole.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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