Hubert Montoya, an immigration attorney from Austin, Texas, found himself laughing when he received an email from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security instructing him to leave the country immediately—absurdly, as he is a U.S. citizen. This bizarre situation highlights a significant issue stemming from the Trump administration’s efforts to unwind a Biden-era policy that allowed certain migrants to live and work temporarily in the United States.
Starting in January 2023, a program called CBP One brought in over 900,000 people using a digital appointment system at U.S. border crossings with Mexico. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun to quietly cancel two-year permits linked to this program. Notices started arriving in late March with little warning, instructing some individuals to depart the country immediately or within a few days. Shockingly, U.S. citizens were among those affected by this action.
Timothy J. Brenner, a lawyer based in Houston, received one such notice on April 11. He expressed concern that the administration might be targeting immigration attorneys, a move he views as harassment. In a statement, CBP confirmed that they issued notices terminating temporary legal status under CBP One, but did not specify how many were affected, stating they didn’t go to all beneficiaries.
Critics argue that the lack of transparency surrounding these cancellations creates confusion and fear among individuals who were previously assured of their temporary status. Reports indicate that many recipients of these notices are now contemplating returning to their home countries out of concern for their safety in the U.S.
As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about the integrity of immigration policies and the treatment of people seeking asylum or other forms of relief in the country. Many believe that better communication and clearer protocols are necessary to ensure that those who truly need protection can receive it without fear of sudden deportation.
