In a dramatic move, the US-Mexico border was effectively closed to asylum seekers just hours after President Donald Trump took office. This abrupt shift from previous policies has left thousands of hopeful migrants stranded, unsure of their next steps.

The decision comes after a mix of policies from both Trump and former President Joe Biden, which have nearly sealed off the southern border to those seeking refuge. Biden’s earlier restrictions on asylum for illegal crossings had already limited options, but Trump’s executive action completely shut down the CBP One app, a crucial tool for scheduling appointments at legal entry points.

For migrants like Luis, a Venezuelan living in Ciudad Juarez, the news was devastating. He had been waiting for months to secure an appointment through the app, only to have it canceled without warning. Venezuelan Yenyile Díaz shared a similar story, expressing frustration and hopelessness for her family’s future.

Experts warn this unprecedented move leaves almost no legal pathways for asylum seekers to find protection in the US. Andrew Selee of the Migration Policy Institute called it a “huge shift,” while immigration advocates condemned the decision as a betrayal of the country’s commitment to protecting those fleeing danger.

Republicans, however, argue the asylum system has been exploited for economic reasons, rather than genuine safety concerns. Trump’s executive order suspends asylum laws entirely until the so-called “invasion at the southern border” is resolved, directing federal agencies to turn migrants away.

With Biden’s earlier restrictions already reducing crossings, Trump’s actions could further complicate migration patterns. Homeland Security officials predict migrants may wait and assess the situation before attempting to cross again.

For now, many migrants find themselves in a state of uncertainty. Johana Conde, a Cuban woman at the border, summed it up: “Right now, we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

This sweeping change marks a pivotal moment in US immigration policy, leaving thousands in limbo and raising urgent questions about the future of asylum in America.