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The Trump administration has begun issuing notices revoking the legal immigration status of hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the U.S. through the CBP One smartphone app, a centerpiece of President Biden’s immigration policy at the southern border.
Over 900,000 migrants were allowed entry under this system, which was designed to reduce illegal crossings by enabling migrants to schedule legal appointments at official ports of entry. Most were granted temporary parole and given court dates to begin the asylum process, along with legal permission to work.
Now, under a sweeping policy reversal, those same individuals are being notified that their parole status has been terminated, and they must leave the U.S. within seven days or face arrest and deportation.
“If you do not depart the United States immediately you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal from the United States,” reads the message sent by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Migrants are encouraged to self-deport using the CBP Home app, a rebranded version of the original CBP One platform that previously facilitated their entry.
“Do not attempt to remain in the United States — the federal government will find you,” the notice adds.
Mass Revocation of Biden-Era Parole
The move marks a dramatic escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle Biden-era immigration policies, and to expand the number of migrants subject to deportation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemconfirmed the new directive.
“Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security,” DHS said in a statement.
“Formal termination notices have been issued, and affected aliens are urged to voluntarily self-deport using the CBP Home App. Those who refuse will be found, removed, and permanently barred from reentry.”
The administration has said the revocation does not yet apply to migrants with pending asylum cases, but many others — particularly those whose parole period is expiring — may face removal quickly.
CBP One: From Legal Pathway to Deportation Trigger
The CBP One app, introduced under the Biden administration, was promoted as a legal alternative for migrants seeking refuge, and was credited with significantly reducing illegal crossings.
It allowed migrants — primarily from Latin America — to register for an appointment and present themselves at a port of entry, avoiding the dangers of crossing unlawfully and ensuring orderly processing.
The app, now renamed CBP Home, is being repurposed to facilitate self-deportation, marking a symbolic and functional reversal of its original intent.
CHNV and TPS Programs Also Targeted
This policy is part of a broader crackdown on humanitarian parole programs, including the CHNV initiative — a Biden-era policy that admitted Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans under similar parole terms.
More than 500,000 CHNV migrants have been given a deadline of April 24 to leave the U.S. voluntarily or face ICE enforcement actions.
Meanwhile, efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals are also underway but are temporarily blocked in court.
Legal and Humanitarian Backlash Expected
Immigrant rights advocates and legal organizations have already begun mounting legal challenges, warning that the new policies could lead to mass deportations, family separations, and due process violations.
Critics also argue that the revocation of parole without individualized assessments or court hearings may violate constitutional and statutory protections.
With over 1 million people potentially affected by this combined policy shift, immigration courts, legal aid groups, and enforcement agencies are likely to face immense pressure in the coming weeks.
What’s Next?
While the administration insists it is acting within its legal authority, federal lawsuits are expected, and immigration courts may become the next battleground over the fate of thousands who entered legally under a now-abandoned process.
In the meantime, affected migrants are left facing a stark choice: leave voluntarily or risk arrest and permanent banishment from the U.S.
