Staff Reports
The recent political landscape is starting to resemble a high-stakes game of Whac-A-Mole. The spotlight is now on the Biden administration’s CBP One app, a contraption that’s essentially a VIP pass for those looking to sneak into America without following the proper protocols. President-elect Donald Trump is poised to take a hatchet to this digital tool designed more like an open door than a security measure. In typical Trump fashion, he has vowed to dismantle the migrant-friendly app, which he famously dubbed the “Kamala phone app.”
There’s little ambiguity in Trump’s approach to immigration policy: he’s ready to end what he considers an invasion into America. With the quick stroke of his pen, Trump aims to yank out the CBP One app by its roots and revert to stricter immigration standards. In his vision for an America that doesn’t just throw open its doors, there’s no room for gadgets that allow immigrants to bypass Congress. The subtle genius here lies in how Trump frames this: it’s not just about curbing illegal entries; it’s about booting out what he sees as tools of bureaucratic chaos.
The CBP One app is for "all noncitizens without documents for legal entry."
WHY DOES THIS APP EXIST https://t.co/rFUBBkUUx5 pic.twitter.com/LVePec33MN
— Peachy Keenan (@KeenanPeachy) October 6, 2024
Policy analysts are having a field day trying to predict what the end of the app would mean. Some argue it could lead to an immediate surge of illegal crossings, with hopeful migrants opting for the “let’s just walk in” route when their appointment slots vanish. Others suggest that it could deter future migrants from even attempting the trip if they know the app that once enticed them into taking a risk is gone. It’s a classic case of “you break it, you own it” — a prediction market of chaos where everyone across the border is betting on the outcomes.
The facts show that the app allows residents of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to apply for entry, essentially giving them a two-year pass to roam and work in the land of opportunity, as long as they play nice and have a sponsor. Since 2023, more than half a million people have passed through the welcome mat provided by the Biden administration. This is an open invitation that many on both sides of the aisle find perplexing, if not alarming. Critics see it as a glaring loophole, affectionately called a “gateway” for illegal entry into America.
The app was purportedly added to help manage the migrant flow through legal pathways, yet it’s hard to ignore how it’s been weaponized under the guise of legality. Just when one thinks there’s a semblance of structure, it turns out to be a constitutional flimflam that some argue oversteps executive authority. The next Trump administration might just hit that reset button, bringing back the “Remain in Mexico” policy, a favorite among conservatives. Imagine the chaos at the border: a swell of hopeful immigrants, suddenly unsure if their appointment to meet a customs officer has been yanked, and scrambling to cross illegally while they can.
As the countdown to Trump’s possible second term ticks down, it’s evident that the left is bracing for a policy shake-up, hoping to squeeze in as many immigrants as possible before the clock strikes midnight. Meanwhile, folks who advocate for stricter immigration measures are licking their chops at the prospect of a renewed crackdown. It’s a spicy cocktail of anticipation and trepidation, where no one really knows how the game will play out — except for one thing: the implications of these policies will remain a hot-button issue for many years to come.
