npr.org
Trump's Threat to End CBP One App Creates Uncertainty for Asylum Seekers
The CBP One app, facilitating almost 900,000 migrant appointments since January 2023, faces elimination under President-elect Trump, causing anxiety among asylum seekers who rely on it for safe entry.
- What are the long-term implications of ending the CBP One app for U.S. immigration policy and the safety of asylum seekers?
- Eliminating CBP One could lead to a surge in irregular border crossings, undermining the Biden administration's efforts to manage migration humanely and efficiently. This may increase the strain on border resources and potentially endanger migrants. The uncertainty surrounding the app's future creates significant anxiety for asylum seekers.
- What is the immediate impact of President-elect Trump's planned elimination of the CBP One app on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border?
- The CBP One app, launched in January 2023, has facilitated nearly 900,000 migrant appointments for U.S. entry and asylum petitions. President-elect Trump's vow to eliminate the app leaves migrants, like the Honduran family who used it to successfully enter the U.S., in uncertainty.
- How does the CBP One app's intended function of reducing wait times and crowds at ports of entry contrast with the potential consequences of its elimination?
- The app aimed to streamline border processing, reducing wait times and crowds at ports of entry. However, President-elect Trump's plan to end the program raises concerns about increased border congestion and potentially more dangerous irregular crossings by migrants seeking asylum.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed to evoke sympathy for the migrants affected by the potential elimination of the CBP One app. The use of descriptive language about their hardships, such as shivering in the cold and emotional pleas for assistance, shapes reader perceptions towards a negative view of the potential policy change. This framing, while emotionally engaging, may not provide a fully balanced perspective on the issue at hand.
Language Bias
The report uses emotive language to describe the migrants' plight, which could sway the audience's opinion. For example, phrases such as 'emotional,' 'shiver,' and 'praying' are used to paint a picture of desperation and vulnerability. While these descriptions are factual in the context of the situation, the use of such language adds a level of emotional weight that might not be present in a more neutral report. More neutral alternatives could include: instead of "emotional," use "concerned"; instead of "shiver," use "feel the cold"; and instead of "praying," use "hoping.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses heavily on the potential negative impacts of ending the CBP One app, featuring several emotional anecdotes from migrants. However, it omits perspectives from those who might support ending the app or who believe it has flaws. It also doesn't analyze the potential consequences of increased illegal border crossings if the app is discontinued. This omission limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The report presents a somewhat false dichotomy by focusing primarily on the potential negative consequences for migrants if the CBP One app is ended, without adequately presenting alternative solutions or perspectives on how the situation might be managed differently. This framing creates an impression that discontinuing the app will inevitably lead to negative outcomes, neglecting the possibility of other approaches that might mitigate such problems.
Sustainable Development Goals
The potential elimination of the CBP One app by the incoming administration threatens the orderly and humane processing of migrants seeking asylum, potentially leading to increased irregular migration and undermining efforts to establish fair and efficient immigration systems. This directly impacts the SDG target of ensuring access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The uncertainty and fear caused by this potential policy change create instability and insecurity for vulnerable migrant families.