Migrant faces immigration uncertainty following immigration app change

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Trump Administration intensified its immigration enforcement measures since its second term started more than a year ago. For asylum seekers hoping to cross into the U.S., the American Dream is a stone's throw away.

Joel Vargas legally crossed into the U.S. from Venezuela; he shared his difficulties using the CBP One App with ABC-7. The app used to allow migrants to begin the asylum request process.

After six months, Vargas said he felt immense joy upon getting an appointment and crossing into the U.S. In Colorado, he now works in construction.

Later, Vargas' phone received a notification offering him to self-deport.

The Trump Administration changed the CBP One app into CBP Home. It no longer takes asylum appointment requests and instead helps migrants self-deport to their countries.

According to Vargas, the app said migrants would have to pay almost $1,000 a day if they don't voluntarily self-deport.

Even though he crossed into the U.S. legally, Vargas said he lives in fear of being deported back to Venezuela and not fulfill the dream he has: buying a house for his family.

ABC-7's Heriberto Perez first met Vargas in Juárez when a high number of migrants arrived in the city. He was one of many camping on the streets while waiting to secure an appointment through the CBP One app.

Vargas shares his full story in "Legal Limbo." Watch the special report Thursday on ABC-7 at 6.