As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches, fear and uncertainty grip thousands of Central American migrants heading toward the U.S.-Mexico border. A caravan of roughly 1,500 individuals departed Chiapas, Mexico, on Nov. 21, determined to cross before Trump assumes office. Their urgency is driven by concerns that the incoming administration will dismantle key asylum tools, including the CBP One app, and enforce some of the strictest immigration measures in U.S. history.
CBP One App: A Fragile Lifeline
Introduced during the Biden administration, the CBP One app allows migrants to schedule asylum appointments remotely. While it has streamlined processes for many, it remains at the center of controversy.
- Migrants’ Fears: The app may soon be eliminated, a prospect that Guatemalan migrant Bryan Velazquez described as terrifying. “We are very afraid because supposedly they are going to start closing CBP One,” he told BBC News.
- Criticism of the App: Advocacy groups, including Amnesty International, have highlighted its shortcomings, noting that many users face heightened risks. An estimated one in ten migrants with app appointments has reported kidnapping or extortion, often by cartels exploiting their desperation.
Desperation on the Move
For many migrants, traveling in large caravans offers protection during the grueling 1,000-mile journey through Mexico. Despite the relative safety of numbers, their path is fraught with challenges:
- Threats Along the Route: Migrants must navigate a gauntlet of dangers, including cartels, human traffickers, and hostile authorities.
- Voices from the Caravan: “We are afraid that we might not be able to pass because of Trump,” said Anin Rodriguez, a Honduran migrant. Others, like Jaime Abelar of El Salvador, hope to secure safety before the administration tightens border policies.
Trump’s Promised Crackdown
Throughout his campaign, Trump pledged a return to hardline immigration enforcement. His proposed measures include:
- Mass Deportations: Trump has vowed to outpace the 1.5 million deportations carried out during his first term.
- Expanded Detention Centers: Plans to construct large-scale detention facilities near the border are already under consideration.
- Military Involvement: Trump has suggested declaring a national emergency to deploy troops for immigration enforcement.
These promises have fueled anxiety among undocumented migrants already in the U.S. and those still seeking entry.
Inside the U.S.: Scrambling for Security
The incoming administration’s rhetoric has also sent shockwaves through immigrant communities within the United States.
- Surge in Legal Preparations: Green card holders are rushing to naturalize, while others are filing asylum claims or pursuing marriage-based visas.
- Dreamers Under Pressure: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, like Yaneth Campuzano, are hastening to secure permanent residency. “The election result put me in a state of panic,” said Campuzano, who moved up her wedding plans to solidify her status.
Humanitarian Concerns and Debate
Humanitarian organizations warn of the devastating impact of mass deportations:
- Family Separation: Many fear that enforcement policies could destabilize families and leave children in precarious situations.
- Community Impact: Critics argue that widespread deportations would harm local economies and overburden immigration systems.
- Supporters’ Viewpoint: Proponents claim stricter measures are necessary to restore order at the border and address voter frustrations with current immigration policies.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks toward Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration, migrants face an uncertain and narrowing window to reach the U.S. The future of the CBP One app and asylum access hangs in the balance, shaping the journeys of thousands seeking a safer life.