The United States government has begun ordering migrants who entered the country using a specialised asylum scheduling app to leave immediately, following the revocation of their temporary parole status.
The move affects some of the nearly 900,000 migrants who crossed the southern border under a Biden-era initiative that permitted legal entry through the CBP One app. The app allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments and receive temporary legal status, including work authorisation, for up to two years.
However, many of these individuals have now been informed that their parole has been cancelled, stripping them of their right to remain or work in the country legally.
As reported by BBC News, affected migrants have received direct notices instructing them to depart. One such email, shared with the BBC, read: “Leave the United States immediately.” It further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to forced removal and legal consequences.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the notices had been issued to a number of individuals who entered via the CBP One parole programme. The exact number of migrants impacted remains unclear.
The revocation of parole has also resulted in the termination of associated benefits, including work permits. The notices warn that remaining in the US beyond the allotted time could expose individuals to civil fines, criminal charges, and other penalties.
In a significant policy shift under the Trump administration, the CBP One app has been rebranded as CBP Home, with a new focus on encouraging voluntary departures. Migrants using the updated version of the app are now prompted to indicate whether they have the means to leave the US and possess a valid passport.
The rebranding aligns with new immigration measures introduced earlier this year. In February, the government announced a national registry for undocumented migrants, requiring those aged 14 and above to provide their address and fingerprints. Authorities stated that individuals who fail to register could face criminal prosecution.
While the measures aim to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement, experts have raised questions about their practicality. The large volume of undocumented individuals and logistical constraints may pose significant challenges to the policy’s effectiveness.
A DHS spokesperson defended the action, stating it is part of broader efforts to secure the border and manage the immigration system: “Revoking parole is a necessary step in ensuring the integrity of US immigration processes.”