Homeland Security officials are cautioning of a potential increase in illegal border crossings following the sudden shutdown of a border app called CBP One. This app allowed migrants to schedule appointments for processing at legal entry points.
After President Donald Trump's inauguration, migrants along the US southern border were informed that their appointments had been canceled, eliminating a crucial pathway that former Biden administration officials believed helped deter illegal migration. The closure of the border app on Monday effectively removes all opportunities for asylum at the US southern border.
With this avenue closed, some migrants may now opt to cross the border illegally. A Homeland Security official expressed concern, stating, 'The likelihood exists that they're going to try to cross illegally now. They have nothing to go back to. My bet is a good chunk of them are going to try to cross.'
Trump is taking over a relatively calm border situation. While the Biden administration faced a surge in crossings, migrant numbers dropped after former President Joe Biden implemented measures to tighten asylum policies.
During the early days of Trump's first term, border crossings remained low as migrants waited to assess his actions. However, the numbers eventually rose. Homeland Security officials caution that a similar trend could occur again.
It is challenging to predict migration patterns, but officials warn that migrants may choose to wait and observe the situation before attempting to cross. Regardless of the timing, if migrants are determined and have come this far, they are likely to make the crossing eventually.
