allowing migrants in Mexico’s southern regions to book appointments for their U.S. asylum applications, potentially preventing them from traveling further north to cities such as Mexico City. This move is part of Mexico’s efforts to contain migrants in the south, where work and housing shortages have driven many northward. By allowing migrants to apply for asylum earlier on, they may avoid the dangers of traveling further, such as falling prey to authorities or organized crime groups. The CBP One app has become a crucial tool for managing the growing demand for asylum along the U.S. southwestern border, with more than 765,000 people using it since its launch in January 2023.
Migrants like 31-year-old Germin Alemán from Honduras see the app as a glimmer of hope, as they can now apply for asylum earlier and potentially move more freely with an appointment in hand. However, the reality remains uncertain for many migrants who are pressured by debts and the need to start working. Some feel they have no choice but to keep moving, despite access to the app. Human rights groups have raised concerns about CBP One, describing it as a violation of international law that limits access to U.S. territory for those in need of protection. Many migrants end up stuck in Mexico for months, waiting in overcrowded shelters or in unsanitary conditions, vulnerable to various risks.
Mexico has been urging the U.S. to make the app available in its southern regions, and the expansion of CBP One is seen as a positive development by the Mexican government. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Bárcena believes it will be a great help in managing the flow of migrants. However, migrant and human rights groups do not see CBP One’s expansion as the solution to the challenges faced by migrants in southern Mexico. They argue that the app allows the U.S. to limit access to its territory and that authorities sometimes detain migrants and return them to the south, despite having CBP One appointments.
The situation in southern Mexico has become increasingly dangerous, with powerful drug cartels engaging in violent territorial struggles to control smuggling routes. This has further complicated the journey for migrants who are already vulnerable to risks such as kidnapping, sexual assault, and extortion. While the expansion of CBP One may offer some relief to migrants seeking asylum in the U.S., the challenges they face in southern Mexico persist. The app has become a vital lifeline for those seeking protection, but it is not a comprehensive solution to the complex issues surrounding migration in the region.
Despite the benefits of CBP One in managing asylum requests and potentially reducing the dangers of further travel, migrants like Yuri Carolina Melendez remain skeptical about its effectiveness. Melendez, who recently arrived in Mexico with her two daughters, is cautious about the app’s ability to secure a timely asylum appointment. With uncertainties and pressures mounting for many migrants, the expansion of CBP One serves as both a lifeline and a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those seeking refuge and security in the U.S. The app’s impact on migration patterns and outcomes in southern Mexico remains to be seen as authorities and organizations navigate the complex dynamics of human mobility and protection.
