npr.org
CBP One App's Uncertain Future Leaves Asylum Seekers in Limbo
The CBP One app, used by nearly 900,000 asylum seekers since January 2023 to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry, faces potential elimination under President-elect Trump, leaving many migrants in Mexico with uncertain futures.
- How do varying wait times for CBP One appointments affect asylum seekers' choices and experiences at the border?
- The app aims to manage asylum applications more efficiently and humanely, reducing wait times and crowds at border crossings. However, President-elect Trump threatens to eliminate the app, potentially forcing asylum seekers back to longer waits and riskier crossings, as seen with Ricardo Bravo and Bárbara Mendoza's experience. The situation highlights the precariousness of asylum seekers' situations under shifting political landscapes.
- What is the immediate impact of the CBP One app on asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, and how does its potential elimination affect their situation?
- The CBP One app, launched in January 2023, has provided nearly 900,000 appointments for asylum seekers at U.S. ports of entry. While an appointment doesn't guarantee legal status, it allows asylum seekers to apply for work permits. David Melgar and his family, after a two-month wait, secured an appointment and successfully entered the U.S. from Mexico.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of eliminating the CBP One app, considering both the immediate impact on asylum seekers and the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy?
- The potential elimination of the CBP One app could significantly impact asylum seekers, potentially increasing illegal border crossings and creating more challenges for processing. Those waiting for appointments, like Zoila Velasco Cañas who waited ten months, face renewed uncertainty and longer waits. The future of the app remains uncertain, leaving many in limbo and highlighting the need for a consistent and predictable asylum system.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the hardships faced by migrants using the CBP One app and the threat of the app's potential elimination. The headline, if there were one, would likely emphasize these points. The descriptions of long wait times and individual struggles are prominently featured, potentially swaying readers towards a sympathetic view of the migrants' situations and critical of Trump's potential decision. The inclusion of Trump's statement on the app without further context or counterpoint further emphasizes this perspective.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language when describing the migrants' situations, such as "chilly wind," "cold pavement," and "extorted for money." While these are descriptive, they evoke sympathy. There is also the use of "best and safest way" to petition for asylum, which implies a lack of other safe options which may not be the case. More neutral alternatives might be used to reduce potential emotional manipulation. The use of the words "vowed" and "falsely claims" when describing Trump's statements introduces a bias that should be considered.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of a few individuals using the CBP One app, potentially omitting the broader range of experiences among migrants seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border. The article does not explore alternative methods for seeking asylum or the perspectives of US border officials. The limitations of space might explain some omissions but not the lack of broader context.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by focusing solely on the CBP One app as the method of seeking asylum, ignoring other possible avenues or methods of entry. It also frames the situation as a simple choice between using the app or crossing the border illegally, ignoring other complex factors influencing migrants' decisions.
Gender Bias
While the article includes both male and female perspectives, it does not seem to disproportionately focus on the appearance or personal details of women compared to men. There is no apparent gender bias in the selection of interviewees or the way their experiences are described.
Sustainable Development Goals
The CBP One app, while imperfect, offers a pathway to asylum and work permits, potentially alleviating poverty for migrants like David Melgar and his family who fled economic hardship in Honduras. Securing an appointment and subsequent work authorization can significantly improve their economic situation and provide for their child's needs. Conversely, the potential elimination of the app would negatively impact the ability of migrants to seek economic opportunities, pushing them further into poverty.