Trump DHS pick Noem pledges to end controversial app used by migrants on ‘day one’

Kristi Noem, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, made a bold statement during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee. She declared that she would end the controversial CBP One app and the related migrant parole program that has allowed nearly 1.5 million immigrants into the United States.

In response to a question from Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Noem admitted that the southern border is not secure. However, she expressed confidence that with the inauguration of President Trump in just three days, the border would be secured. Noem then addressed the use of the CBP One app, which has been utilized to parole immigrants into the U.S.

Originally created to assist with scheduling cargo inspections, the app was expanded in 2023 to allow migrants to make appointments at ports of entry to be allowed in. This expansion was controversial, with over 936,500 individuals making parole appointments through the app by the end of December. Additionally, a parole process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) has allowed about 531,000 nationals to enter the U.S. after a vetting process.

Noem pledged to shut down the CBP One app on her first day in office, while preserving essential data for security purposes. She criticized the CHNV program, stating that the federal government had flown people into the country without proper vetting. Noem emphasized the need to eliminate such programs and ensure compliance with legal immigration laws.

When asked about addressing abuses in the parole system, Noem committed to conducting case-by-case evaluations and increasing resources for legal immigration processing. She stressed the importance of having more judges and immigration courts to handle cases efficiently and prevent unauthorized entries into the country.

If confirmed as DHS Secretary, Noem will oversee the agency during a critical time of historic mass deportation operations targeting illegal immigrants within the U.S. She will work closely with border czar Tom Homan to enhance border security efforts at both the southern and northern borders.

In conclusion, Noem’s firm stance on ending the CBP One app and parole programs reflects her commitment to upholding legal immigration laws and ensuring national security. Her plans to streamline immigration processes and crackdown on unauthorized entries align with the Trump administration’s priorities. As she takes on this vital role, Noem’s leadership will be crucial in safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding the rule of law.