US orders mass exit of these migrants, asks them to leave 'immediately'

In a major shift in immigration policy, the United States has started informing thousands of migrants—who had legally entered the country using a mobile app under the Biden administration—that they must depart immediately. This follows the termination of their temporary legal status, known as "parole," which had granted them permission to live and work in the U.S. for up to two years.

The app in question, CBP One, was introduced in 2020 and significantly expanded under President Biden. It enabled migrants at the southern border to book appointments at U.S. ports of entry for asylum claims, offering a safer and more regulated alternative to illegal crossings. Roughly 900,000 migrants benefited from the system, gaining temporary entry and work authorisation.

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However, under the administration of President Donald Trump—who has returned to power—the app has been rebranded as CBP Home and is now being used to facilitate what officials are calling "self-deportations." Migrants who previously used CBP One are now receiving emails warning them that their parole is revoked. Reports add that they have been told: “It is time for you to leave the United States.”

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The message goes on to say that those who remain without securing another legal basis for residency will face potential law enforcement actions, deportation, civil fines, or even criminal prosecution. Additionally, any benefits previously granted under parole, such as work permits, are now void.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the move, accusing the Biden administration of misusing parole authority and contributing to what it called "the worst border crisis in US history." DHS said that revoking these paroles is part of a broader promise to secure the border and protect national security.

Notably, this cancellation does not apply to migrants from two separate parole programs—those designated for certain Ukrainians and Afghans.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns that the brunt of this crackdown is being borne by migrants from Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador—nationalities commonly represented among asylum seekers.

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The rebranded CBP Home app now encourages undocumented migrants to declare their intention to leave the U.S., asking whether they have the financial means and valid documents to depart.

The Trump administration also revealed plans in February to establish a nationwide registry for undocumented migrants, which would require anybody older than 14 to provide a legitimate address and their fingerprints. Those who do not register may be prosecuted, according to officials. Immigration experts caution that the system's implementation will probably present both legal and practical difficulties.

This policy shift has sparked concern among human rights groups and immigration attorneys, who argue that sudden reversals leave vulnerable migrants in limbo, especially those who have established lives in the US based on a now-cancelled legal status.

As deportation efforts ramp up, many are left grappling with an uncertain future—and a ticking clock.

(With TOI inputs)