In a move that’s already shaking headlines and stirring debate across the country, former President Donald Trump has demanded the immediate removal of one million migrants who entered the United States using a Biden-era immigration app known as CBP One. This decision marks one of the strongest stances yet in the ongoing political tug-of-war over U.S. immigration policy.

But what does this really mean for the individuals affected—and for America’s immigration system as a whole? Let’s break it down.

What Is the CBP One App and Why Was It Introduced?

The CBP One app was launched in January 2023 under the Biden administration as a way to create a more organized process for migrants seeking entry into the U.S. The app allowed individuals to schedule appointments at border checkpoints, providing a legal alternative to dangerous and chaotic illegal crossings.

In theory, this was a win-win: migrants could enter legally and safely, and border officials could process requests more efficiently. It was meant to reduce the strain at the border, giving people a clear path to entry—at least temporarily.

Over 900,000 individuals have used the app to gain access under a special program known as humanitarian parole, which allowed them to live and work in the U.S. for up to two years.

Video: Department of Homeland Security revokes status of migrants who entered US using CBP One app

Trump’s Administration Pulls the Plug on Parole

That’s now changing. Under Trump’s renewed push for stricter immigration control, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated the parole protections for those who entered via CBP One.

In a statement, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said this move is about “fulfilling the promise to secure America’s borders.” DHS confirmed that termination notices have already gone out, although they didn’t specify exactly how many individuals are affected.

These migrants are now being told: leave voluntarily or face harsh penalties.

The Price of Staying: Harsh Financial Penalties Await

One of the most controversial aspects of this directive? The fines.

According to DHS, migrants who refuse to leave could be fined $998 per day—a staggering amount for people already struggling to find stability.

And it gets worse. Authorities are dusting off a rarely used law that allows these fines to be applied retroactively, going back as far as five years. For some, that could mean a million-dollar debt simply for not leaving the country fast enough.

The move is being seen by many as both symbolic and strategic—a clear message from the Trump team that lax immigration enforcement is over.

Migrants Share Fear and Uncertainty

For the one million people affected, the emotional toll is enormous. Many are from countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico, where crime, corruption, and economic despair often leave citizens with no choice but to flee.

Now, after months or even years of building lives in the U.S.—working, making friends, sending kids to school—many face the possibility of being uprooted overnight.

Social media has become a space for these individuals to share stories of fear, confusion, and sadness. Nonprofit organizations like Al Otro Lado are stepping in to help, offering legal assistance and trying to clarify what rights these migrants still have.

But time is running out, and many fear the worst.

The Political Strategy Behind the Move

Let’s be real—this isn’t just about border security. It’s also about politics.

The Biden administration created CBP One as part of a broader immigration strategy, one that leaned into structured, legal entry points rather than simply trying to block everyone at the border.

Trump’s approach flips that completely. His team argues that parole authority was abused, and that it led to what they describe as “the worst border crisis in American history.”

This move to undo Biden’s policies isn’t just about the app—it’s about signaling a return to hardline immigration control, especially with the 2024 election season heating up.

Video: Trump’s DHS revokes legal status for migrants who entered US on Biden-era CBP One app

Lives in Limbo: What Happens Next?

Right now, one million people are caught in the middle of a political storm. They followed the rules. They used the app. They sought legal ways to enter.

And now? They’re being told to leave.

Some might choose voluntary departure, using the renamed CBP Home app, which is supposed to help migrants schedule exit logistics. But for many, going back to the country they once fled isn’t an option. The risks are too high. The uncertainty too heavy.

And for those who stay? The looming threat of massive fines—and possibly forced deportation—hangs over their heads.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

What we’re seeing right now isn’t just an immigration story—it’s a human story. One of broken systems, clashing politics, and real people stuck in the middle.

Whether you agree with Trump’s decision or not, one thing is clear: the way we handle immigration in America is about more than just policy. It’s about values, compassion, and the kind of country we want to be.

As the dust settles, the big question remains: will this move truly secure the border, or will it create deeper divisions in an already fractured system?

Only time will tell.