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The president Donald Trump granted new authorities to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expedite the deportation of immigrants who entered the country under the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs, implemented during Joe Biden's administration.
An internal memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), revealed by The New York Times, indicates that this measure aims to strengthen immigration control policies and tighten restrictions for those who entered the United States through these initiatives.
The document, signed on Thursday by Benjamine C. Huffman, acting head of the DHS, instructs ICE officials to use expanded powers to deport beneficiaries of these programs, even if they meet the conditions set by Biden's immigration policies.
This decision affects more than 1.46 million people who entered the country with temporary permits since January 2023.
Migration programs under scrutiny
The humanitarian parole was a key measure introduced by Biden in October 2022 for Venezuelans, and in January 2023 it was expanded to Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans.
About 531,690 immigrants from these nationalities managed to enter the country legally, including 110,240 Cubans. This permit allowed them to reside temporarily in the United States, with options to regularize their status under certain conditions.
On the other hand, the CBP One program, which allowed migrants to apply for asylum through a mobile application, facilitated the entry of more than 904,500 individuals.
Now, with the DHS memorandum, ICE will be able to revoke these temporary permits and proceed to deport the beneficiaries, even if they have not exhausted their legal stay time or have open cases in immigration courts.
Tightening of U.S. immigration policies
Since his first day back in power, Trump has taken drastic measures to fulfill his campaign promises related to immigration and national security.
One of his first executive orders included the elimination of the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs, justifying these actions as necessary to combat illegal immigration and strengthen the country's borders.
The Huffman memorandum also states that ICE officials should prioritize the deportation of immigrants who have been in the country for more than a year and have not formally applied for asylum.
In addition, it authorizes the closure of cases in immigration courts and the transfer of migrants to the accelerated deportation program, which eliminates the requirement for an extended judicial process.
Immigrant advocates have expressed their concern about the impact of these measures on vulnerable communities.
Critiques and Legal Challenges Regarding Accelerated Deportation
The expansion of deportation powers has generated widespread criticism and legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Washington D.C., arguing that the policy violates federal laws and constitutional rights.
"The Trump administration seeks to bypass due process and push forward its agenda for mass deportation," stated Anand Balakrishnan, an attorney for the organization.
These new powers could also affect Afghan and Ukrainian immigrants who entered the country under temporary programs, increasing fears among those who relied on the legal pathways provided by the previous government. In total, Trump's decision leaves millions of people in a position of uncertainty and vulnerability.
An uncertain future for immigrants who are not regularized
Trump's measures reaffirm his intention to use all available resources to push his hardline immigration policies. The executive order and the DHS memorandum are just the beginning of a series of actions aimed at dismantling the programs established during the Biden administration.
The migrant community now faces an uncertain landscape, with the risk of mass deportations that could separate families. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and legal organizations are developing strategies to counter the new regulations in the courts.
The struggle between Trump’s tough immigration policies and immigrants' rights is just beginning, marking a new chapter in the complex debate over immigration in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's New Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Humanitarian Parole Programs and CBP One
What changes has Trump implemented in the immigration policies of the United States?
President Donald Trump has granted new powers to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expedite the deportation of immigrants under the humanitarian parole programs and CBP One. This includes the elimination of these programs, affecting more than 1.46 million people who entered the country legally since January 2023.
How does Trump's decision affect immigrants who entered under humanitarian parole?
Trump's decision allows ICE to revoke the temporary permits granted to immigrants under humanitarian parole, even if they meet the conditions set by the Biden administration. This leaves many immigrants in a position of uncertainty and vulnerability, facing the possibility of mass deportations.
What alternatives do immigrants affected by the end of humanitarian parole have?
Affected immigrants can explore other avenues to regularize their status, such as applying for political asylum, seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or, in the case of Cubans, applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act to obtain permanent residency after one year and one day in the United States.
What legal challenges does the expansion of ICE's deportation powers face?
The expansion of deportation powers by ICE has sparked criticism and legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit, arguing that these policies violate federal laws and constitutional rights, attempting to bypass due process.
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