In the wake of President Trump's inauguration, the shutdown of the CBP One app has left countless migrants in limbo, struggling to find legal pathways into the United States. Hailing from diverse countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Honduras, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon, these individuals now face unprecedented challenges in their quest for a safer and more prosperous life. The CBP One app had provided a glimmer of hope, allowing migrants to schedule appointments with US immigration officials. With its sudden closure, many find themselves reevaluating their plans amidst changing immigration policies.
Manuel Rodriguez, a 25-year-old from Venezuela, expressed a sentiment shared by many. He firmly stated that returning to Venezuela was not an option due to dire economic conditions. Like Rodriguez, Jean Claude Silva Fuenmayor, also from Venezuela, spent a year in Mexico City awaiting an appointment through the now-defunct app. Their stories highlight the desperation and determination driving many to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The fears of violence and instability are echoed by Francisco Fortín from Honduras. Attacked by machete-wielding gangs in his homeland, Fortín's resolve to leave was solidified by these traumatic experiences. Similarly, Orlando Chajchic, deported two weeks before Trump's presidency began, voiced his reluctance to return to the US after witnessing the changing attitudes towards immigrants.
In Guatemala City, CNN interviewed migrants who had been waiting for months or even years for a chance to enter the US legally. Patrick Songu from Sierra Leone desperately seeks safety for his family. "We don't know what we can do," he lamented. Meanwhile, Yebit Pryde from Cameroon faces difficult choices after being jailed amid civil strife in his home country. "If there is no legal pathway to get in then I must choose any of the South American countries to seek asylum there," Pryde said.
Stephanie Niño from Colombia and her family spent three months in Tapachula, on the Mexican side of the border with Guatemala, hoping for an appointment through the CBP One app. For them and others like Waleska Veliz, a 26-year-old from Venezuela, the shutdown has cast uncertainty over their futures. Veliz empathized with Trump's desire to curtail violent immigrants but deemed it unjust to penalize everyone indiscriminately.
“We’ve never been in jail; we’ve never committed any crimes. What we want is to enter (the US) to create a better future for our family,” Veliz said.
Father Francisco Pellizzari, who manages a migrant shelter in Guatemala City, noted the shift in atmosphere since the app's closure. The migrants' hopes of crossing the border legally have been dashed, forcing many to consider perilous journeys through Mexico with no guarantee of success upon reaching the US border.
Despite the risks involved, many migrants remain steadfast in their desire to work and provide for their families. However, they find themselves hindered by ever-changing immigration policies that complicate their aspirations. The willingness to walk hundreds of miles underscores their determination but also highlights the immense risks involved without legal pathways.
Orlando Chajchic advised fellow migrants on the current state of affairs:
“My advice is right now, it’s better to stay where you (are).”
As migrants grapple with these challenging realities, some choose alternative destinations for asylum, acknowledging the heightened risks and uncertain outcomes associated with traveling to the US border.
“We don’t know what we can do,” said Patrick Songu.
The shutdown of the CBP One app represents a significant barrier for those who dream of starting anew in America. Yet, these individuals continue to cling to hope, despite the odds stacked against them.
