Trump Vows Major Change: Targeting Controversial Immigration App

Donald Trump vows to dismantle CBP One App, accusing it of facilitating illegal immigration under the Biden-Harris administration.

At a Glance

Trump pledges to terminate the CBP One App, calling it a “Phone App for Smuggling” migrants.
He accuses Vice President Kamala Harris of direct involvement in creating the app.
Trump outlines plans for massive deportations and strict immigration policies.
The CBP One App, launched in 2020, aims to enhance border security and legitimate travel.
Critics argue Trump’s statement stokes anti-immigration sentiments ahead of 2024 election.

Trump’s Accusations and Promises

Former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm in the ongoing immigration debate by vowing to dismantle the CBP One App, a mobile application he claims facilitates illegal immigration. In a bold statement, Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris of being directly involved in creating what he dubbed a “Phone App for Smuggling” migrants into the United States. This accusation comes as part of Trump’s broader campaign promises to address immigration issues if he returns to office.

Trump’s pledge to terminate the CBP One App is just one element of his comprehensive plan to overhaul immigration policies. He has promised to end what he calls the “migrant invasion,” stop migrant flights, revoke deportation immunity, suspend refugee resettlement, and return illegal migrants to their home countries. These proposals align with his previous hardline stance on immigration during his first term as president.

Former President Trump spoke out against the CBP One app, which has been approved under the Biden administration. https://t.co/smfO787ZTX

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) September 15, 2024

The CBP One App: Purpose and Controversy

Contrary to Trump’s characterization, the CBP One App was launched in 2020 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the stated goal of improving border security and enhancing legitimate travel and trade. The application is designed to streamline processes for travelers and traders interacting with CBP. However, its use and effectiveness have become points of contention in the broader immigration debate.

Critics of Trump’s statement argue that his vow to dismantle the app is aimed at stoking anti-immigration sentiments ahead of the 2024 presidential election. They contend that the former president is leveraging immigration concerns to energize his base and draw a contrast with the current administration’s policies.

Trump’s Broader Immigration Agenda

Trump’s promise to end the CBP One App is part of a larger, aggressive immigration strategy he has outlined for a potential second term. Key elements of this plan include:

Restoring the “Remain in Mexico” program, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their U.S. immigration hearings.
Implementing travel bans on individuals from certain countries or with specific ideologies, including regions like the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Launching what he describes as the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, with the aim of deporting millions of people living in the country illegally each year.
Using the 1789 Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants with criminal records and suspected gang members.
Potentially resuming the controversial “zero tolerance” policy that led to family separations at the border.

Contrasting Approaches: Trump vs. Biden

Trump’s proposed policies stand in stark contrast to the approach taken by the Biden-Harris administration. While Trump emphasizes strict enforcement and deportation, President Biden has sought to implement what he describes as a more “humane” approach to immigration. This includes ending the practice of family separations, attempting to terminate the “Remain in Mexico” program, and making extensive use of parole for certain migrants.

The debate over immigration policy continues to be a central issue as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Trump’s latest statements and promises regarding the CBP One App and his broader immigration agenda are likely to further intensify this already contentious discussion.