Jose Guillermo Cabrera’s journey to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, was supposed to be the final step toward a better life. After weeks of travel, he and his family were ready to present their asylum case to US immigration officials. But with just one day to go, their hopes were dashed.

The reason? President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down the CBP One app, a tool that allowed migrants to schedule appointments at US border crossings. “They shut off our dreams,” Cabrera said, his voice heavy with disappointment.

Cabrera isn’t alone. Dozens of migrants who made the grueling trip to Ciudad Juarez found their appointments canceled without warning. Many arrived with just enough money for a single night’s stay, only to be left stranded in freezing temperatures, with no clear path forward.

Erlianny Colombie, who fled Cuba due to political persecution, shared a similar story. After months of waiting and countless sacrifices, he secured an appointment—only to have it canceled. “We did everything legally,” Colombie said. “Now we’re on the streets.”

The migrants’ desperation is palpable. Many have pleaded for the Trump administration to reconsider, asking for their appointments to be honored. “We came here for a brighter future,” said Rosalyn Vargas, a 33-year-old Venezuelan migrant. “We followed the process. Please give us another opportunity.”

Shelters in Ciudad Juarez are stepping up to help. Casa del Migrante, located about 10 miles from the border, is providing food, shelter, and psychological support to those left in limbo. “They’re emotionally destroyed,” said Ivonne Lopez, a social worker at the shelter. “They need hope.”

Meanwhile, local officials are urging migrants to stay calm, emphasizing that further attempts to cross into the US will likely be futile. “All appointments are suspended,” said Enrique Serrano, a coordinator from Chihuahua state’s population agency. “They won’t achieve anything by trying at the crossing points.”

For now, the migrants remain in limbo, clinging to hope that their voices will be heard. “Everything changed from one moment to another,” said 23-year-old Fabian Delgado. “We went from hope to desperation.”