Key Takeaways
• Proclamation 10888 halted nearly all asylum access at the U.S.–Mexico border as of January 20, 2025.
• CBP One app canceled; expedited removals expanded allowing deportations without court hearings.
• Thousands, including Franklin woman, stranded in Mexico facing unsafe conditions and no asylum options.
As of July 2025, the situation for migrants at the U.S.–Mexico border has changed dramatically, with new rules and enforcement measures that have left many, including the Franklin woman referenced, facing tough choices and uncertain futures. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what steps people must take now, and what these changes mean for those with pending asylum applications or those considering their next move.
Summary of What Changed
In early 2025, President Trump issued Proclamation 10888, which brought sweeping changes to how the United States 🇺🇸 handles asylum seekers at the southern border. The most important changes include:
- Asylum access at the U.S.–Mexico border is now almost completely blocked.
- The CBP One app, which was the main way to schedule asylum appointments, has been shut down.
- Expedited removal policies have been expanded, allowing for quick deportations without court hearings.
- The “Remain in Mexico” policy has been brought back, though its future is uncertain due to ongoing court cases.
- The Mexican government has agreed to receive deported asylum seekers, but resources are stretched thin and many people are left in unsafe conditions.
These changes have left tens of thousands of migrants, including families, children, and people like the Franklin woman, stranded in Mexico without a clear path forward.
Who Is Affected
The new policies affect a wide range of people:
- Anyone trying to seek asylum at the U.S.–Mexico border, regardless of their country of origin.
- Families, unaccompanied children, and victims of trafficking—there are no exceptions.
- People with pending CBP One appointments, which have now been canceled.
- Migrants already in the United States 🇺🇸 who cannot prove they have lived there for at least two years.
- Mexican nationals and other non-Mexican asylum seekers who are now required to wait in Mexico.
For the Franklin woman and others in similar situations, these changes mean they must either remain in Mexico, often in dangerous conditions, or consider returning to their home countries with little or no support.
Effective Dates
- January 20, 2025: Proclamation 10888 took effect, ending nearly all asylum access at the southern border.
- Early 2025: The CBP One app was discontinued and replaced by “CBP Home,” which does not allow for asylum appointments.
- April 2025: A federal court temporarily blocked the full return of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, but its future is still being decided.
Required Actions for Affected Individuals
If you are a migrant or asylum seeker at the U.S.–Mexico border, here’s what you need to know and do:
1. Understand That Asylum Access Is Closed
- No new asylum claims are being accepted at the border. This includes people who arrive at official ports of entry and those who cross between ports.
- There are no exceptions for children or victims of trafficking. All are subject to the same rules.
2. CBP One App Appointments Are Canceled
- If you had a pending CBP One appointment, it is now canceled. There is no replacement system for scheduling asylum interviews.
- CBP Home, the new app, only provides information about voluntary departure. It does not help with asylum access.
3. Prepare for Possible Expedited Removal
- If you are in the United States 🇺🇸 and cannot prove you have lived there for at least two years, you may be deported quickly.
- There is no right to a court hearing or a “credible fear” interview before removal.
- CBP officers can now expel people directly to Mexico without formal proceedings.
4. If Returning to Mexico, Gather Required Documents
If you decide or are forced to return to Mexico, you must have:
- A valid passport (book or card)
- An FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) entry permit
- For stays under 7 days, the FMM is free.
- For stays longer than 7 days, the fee is $861 MXN per person.
- The FMM can be obtained online or at the border.
- For more information and to apply, visit the official Mexican immigration website.
- Proper vehicle documentation and Mexican auto insurance (if driving)
There are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry into Mexico as of 2025.
5. Seek Humanitarian Assistance If Needed
- Many shelters in northern Mexico are full, and resources are limited.
- Humanitarian groups such as the International Rescue Committee and Amnesty International may offer help with food, shelter, and safety.
- Be aware of increased risks of violence, exploitation, and health problems in border cities.
6. Monitor Legal Developments
- Ongoing court cases may change the rules again in the future.
- Stay informed through trusted sources and official government updates.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you had a pending asylum appointment or were waiting for your case to be heard, here’s what the new rules mean for you:
- All pending CBP One appointments are canceled. There is no way to reschedule or reopen these cases at this time.
- If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and have a pending asylum application, you should seek legal advice immediately. The new expedited removal rules may still affect you if you cannot prove long-term residence.
- If you are waiting in Mexico under the “Remain in Mexico” policy, your case may be delayed or canceled depending on future court decisions.
- Legal aid organizations may be able to help, but resources are stretched thin.
Practical Effects on Migrants and Families
The changes have had a deep impact on real people, including the Franklin woman who now faces the prospect of returning to Mexico “without anything.” Here are some of the main effects:
- Tens of thousands of migrants are stranded in Mexico, often in dangerous and unhealthy conditions.
- Families and children are at increased risk of violence, exploitation, and illness.
- There is no legal way to seek asylum at the U.S.–Mexico border, even for those fleeing serious danger.
- Many people are forced to choose between staying in unsafe border cities or returning to countries where they may face harm.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
- Human rights groups like Amnesty International have strongly criticized the new policies, saying they break both U.S. and international law and put vulnerable people at risk.
- Legal advocates are challenging the rules in court, but as of July 2025, there has been no success in reopening asylum access.
- The Mexican government has promised to treat returnees humanely, but shelters are overcrowded and resources are limited, especially for Mexican nationals returned to dangerous regions.
Historical Context and Policy Evolution
- Before 2025: Migrants could use the CBP One app to schedule asylum appointments at ports of entry. The “Remain in Mexico” policy was in place from 2019 to 2022, affecting over 75,000 people.
- 2025 Shift: The new executive orders ended nearly all asylum access and increased deportations, marking a major change in U.S. immigration policy.
What This Means for the Franklin Woman and Others
For individuals like the Franklin woman, the choices are now very limited:
- There is no way to seek asylum at the U.S.–Mexico border.
- Returning to Mexico requires proper documents, but even with them, life is very hard and dangerous.
- Many people are left with no resources, no shelter, and no clear future.
Official Resources for Further Help
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): For travel and entry requirements, visit cbp.gov.
- Mexican Immigration (INM): For FMM and entry permits, visit gob.mx/inm.
- U.S. State Department: For Americans in Mexico, visit travel.state.gov.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and Amnesty International provide support and information for migrants and returnees.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- If you are at the U.S.–Mexico border, do not attempt to seek asylum at this time. There is no legal pathway, and you risk immediate deportation.
- If you must return to Mexico, make sure you have the required documents, including a valid passport and FMM permit.
- Seek help from humanitarian organizations if you need food, shelter, or safety.
- Stay informed about legal changes, as court decisions could affect the rules in the future.
- If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and fear removal, gather proof of your time in the country and seek legal help as soon as possible.
For Employers, Families, and Communities
- Employers: Be aware that workers who cannot prove two years of lawful presence may be subject to expedited removal.
- Families: If you have loved ones at the border or in Mexico, help them gather documents and connect with aid organizations.
- Community Groups: Consider supporting local shelters and legal aid groups, as the need for help is greater than ever.
Looking Ahead
The future of asylum access at the U.S.–Mexico border remains uncertain. Ongoing court cases and possible new executive actions could change the situation again. For now, the humanitarian crisis is likely to get worse unless there are major policy changes or more resources are provided by the United States 🇺🇸 or Mexico 🇲🇽.
For More Information
For the latest updates on travel and entry requirements, visit the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. This site provides current information on border policies, required documents, and other important topics.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current environment at the U.S.–Mexico border is one of the most difficult in recent history, with almost no legal options for asylum seekers and growing risks for those stranded in Mexico. The Franklin woman’s story is just one example of the many people now facing impossible choices and uncertain futures.
Conclusion
The changes at the U.S.–Mexico border in 2025 have closed almost all legal pathways for asylum seekers, leaving tens of thousands, including the Franklin woman, in dangerous and desperate situations. If you or someone you know is affected, focus on gathering the right documents, seeking help from trusted organizations, and staying informed about any legal changes. While the future is uncertain, knowing your options and acting quickly can help protect your safety and rights during this difficult time.
Learn Today
Proclamation 10888 → A 2025 executive order severely restricting asylum access at the U.S.–Mexico border.
CBP One app → Previous U.S. Customs app for scheduling asylum appointments, now discontinued.
Expedited removal → Policy allowing rapid deportation of migrants without court proceedings or hearings.
Remain in Mexico → A policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during U.S. immigration processing.
FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) → An official Mexican permit required for entering Mexico legally, with associated fees.
This Article in a Nutshell
New U.S. border rules block asylum seekers almost completely, canceling appointments and speeding deportations. Migrants, including a Franklin woman, face dangerous limbo in Mexico with limited legal options and scarce humanitarian aid amid ongoing policy uncertainty and court challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com
