Migrants who used Biden-era app told to leave US 'immediately'

Thousands of migrants who entered the US during the Biden administration are facing immediate departure orders. They used a special app called CBP One to arrange asylum appointments.

About 900,000 migrants entered at the southern border using this app. They were allowed to stay in the US for two years under "parole." This status also permitted them to work legally in the country.

Now, many are being told their paroles are revoked. They risk prosecution if they remain in the US.

Former President Donald Trump has promised to increase deportations. His administration renamed the app to CBP Home for "self-deportations."

In an email seen by the BBC, one migrant was instructed, "It is time for you to leave." The email warned that failure to depart could lead to removal from the US.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that "the Biden Administration abused parole authority." They claimed this led to a severe border crisis.

Cancelling these paroles fulfills a promise to secure borders and protect national security, according to DHS. It is unclear how many migrants received these notices, but officials confirmed some have been sent out.

DHS clarified that cancellations do not affect migrants in specific parole programs for Ukrainians and Afghans. Immigration advocates noted that many affected include Mexican, Honduran, and Salvadoran migrants.

The notice informs recipients that any benefits from their parole are cancelled. This includes work authorization and other privileges.

Migrants now face potential criminal prosecution and civil penalties if they do not comply with departure orders.

CBP One was launched in 2020 and expanded during Biden's term. It helped prospective migrants book appointments at ports of entry.

Officials previously credited it with reducing border detentions while protecting asylum seekers on dangerous journeys. In March, however, it was rebranded as CBP Home.

The new version allows undocumented migrants to declare their intention to leave the country. It asks if they have enough money for departure and a valid passport from their home country.

In late February, the administration announced plans for a national registry of undocumented migrants. Those who fail to register may face criminal prosecution.

Registration requires undocumented individuals over 14 years old to provide an address and fingerprints. Experts warn that enforcing this system will be challenging due to logistical issues.