President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders and decrees in a sweeping move to intensify his administration's crackdown on immigration. The newly announced measures include designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and ending birthright citizenship. In a controversial decision, the administration has also decided to discontinue the use of the CBP One app, a mobile application previously utilized by migrants to schedule appointments at US ports of entry. This app, which had been instrumental in managing border crossings since its introduction in January 2023, is now officially "no longer available," according to the Customs and Border Protection website.
The CBP One app had been credited with significantly reducing detentions at the border. Prior to its discontinuation, it was scheduled to facilitate approximately 30,000 migrant entries into the US over the next three weeks. The abrupt termination of this service has left tens of thousands of migrants in Mexico uncertain about their future. Estimates suggest that around 270,000 migrants were awaiting their opportunity to enter the US using the app.
The orders have drawn sharp criticism from immigration advocacy groups and civil rights organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has taken legal action against the Trump administration, arguing that denying citizenship to US-born children is unconstitutional.
"Denying citizenship to US-born children is not only unconstitutional – it's also a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values," stated the ACLU.
President Trump has justified these actions by emphasizing national security concerns.
"I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions," he asserted.
However, his plans to end birthright citizenship are legally complex. As this right is enshrined in the US Constitution, altering it would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress—a challenging feat.
In addition to dismantling the CBP One app and challenging birthright citizenship, Trump has instructed federal agencies to cease issuing documentation to children born in the US to parents who are in the country illegally or on temporary visas. This move could effectively block these children from accessing public services, further stirring controversy and legal challenges.
The response from immigration advocacy groups has been swift and vocal. Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, expressed deep disappointment with the administration's stance.
"The expected orders would separate families and weaken our economy," she remarked.
"They do not uphold American values."
Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream, also condemned the orders, warning of the severe impact on communities across the nation.
"Trump's pledges to carry out mass raids and deportations will have devastating consequences on communities nationwide, leaving millions of families and individuals in disarray if immediate action is not taken by our elected officials to publicly fight back," she stated.
He "will spend the next four years actively trying to destroy our lives," Martinez Rosas added.
Despite these criticisms, President Trump remains resolute in his approach, vowing that "all illegal entry will be halted." This hardline stance aligns with his broader immigration strategy, which has consistently focused on tightening border security and reducing illegal immigration.
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