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The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, plans to revoke the legal status of more than 1.8 million migrants benefiting from various temporary humanitarian parole programs that were implemented during the Biden administration.
The Administration is reportedly preparing to revoke the parole of around 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans as soon as this month, a Trump official stated in remarks to the agency Reuters, with one of the sources familiar with the matter speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
The plan to revoke parole for those nationalities was first reported by CBS News recently.
It is expected that the permits of 240,000 Ukrainians who entered the country since the beginning of the war will also be revoked, which could expose them to expedited deportation.
This was confirmed to the agency Reuters by a senior Trump official and three sources familiar with the matter.
The deportation of Ukrainians, scheduled for April, would represent a drastic shift from the welcome extended under the Administration of President Joe Biden.
In fact, the plan to reduce the protections was already underway before the recent conversation between Trump and the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenski, according to the mentioned source.
Immigrants affected by the revocation of their status could become subject to expedited deportation proceedings.
According to an internal email from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seen by Reuters, those who cross the border illegally may be subjected to an "expedited removal" process up to two years after their entry.
Nevertheless, migrants who entered legally through ports of entry without having been formally "admitted" to the U.S. -such as beneficiaries of parole- do not have a time limit for their expedited deportation.
On January 20, Trump issued an executive order instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "end all categorical parole programs."
Context of Biden's humanitarian programs
Biden's programs were designed to offer temporary and legal pathways in order to discourage illegal immigration and provide humanitarian assistance.
In addition to the 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion and the 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, these programs also benefited more than 70,000 Afghans who escaped the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
Additionally, approximately one million migrants scheduled their entry into the U.S. through legal border crossings using the CBP One app.
Thousands more accessed more specific programs, such as the family reunification program on probation for people from Latin America and the Caribbean.
However, President Trump suspended the initiative shortly after taking office, claiming that it constituted an improper use of parole authority in immigration, a mechanism used by the previous administration to admit these migrants and allow them to apply for work permits.
According to the new measure, the Trump administration would revoke the parole status of those who entered the U.S. under the CHNV policy and place them in deportation proceedings if they have not applied for or obtained another immigration benefit, such as asylum, a green card, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Possible avenues of protection for migrants
Some individuals benefiting from the CHNV may find protection through other programs.
Cubans have an exclusive pathway to become permanent residents under the Cuban Adjustment Act, a legacy of the Cold War.
Additionally, any migrant can apply for asylum, but this requires demonstrating that they are fleeing persecution for political, religious, or other reasons, which is a demanding legal standard.
Nonetheless, the fear among the beneficiaries of humanitarian parole persists.
In the case of Haitians and Venezuelans, for example, they are enrolled in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which grants them temporary protection against deportation and work permits.
However, TPS has also faced criticism from the Trump administration, which views it as an abusive policy.
In fact, this week the administration rescinded an extension of TPS for Venezuelans, which could leave many migrants from that country without protection.
Trump has used immigration policy as a key pillar of his governance strategy, tightening measures against both illegal and legal immigration.
Under his leadership, decisions have been made that have restricted the U.S. asylum system, granting more authority to ICE agents to act against undocumented immigrants and allowing the use of Pentagon resources for border control tasks, including the use of military planes for deportations.
A setback in humanitarian policies
The dismantling of Biden's immigration policy has been a priority for Trump.
In addition to the CHNV program, the administration has suspended other initiatives, such as the mobile application CBP One that allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule an appointment to apply for asylum at official border entry points.
The processes that allowed the admission of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, Afghans escaping the Taliban regime, and Central American children seeking to reunite with their families in the United States have also been eliminated.
Like the CHNV program, these initiatives depended on the authority of immigration parole, which is currently under review by the Trump administration to determine its permanent elimination.
The measure represents a drastic shift in U.S. immigration policy and could significantly impact thousands of migrants who arrived in the country with the hope of building a better life under the humanitarian policies implemented by the previous administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Humanitarian Parole by the Trump Administration
What is humanitarian parole and who are its beneficiaries?
The humanitarian parole is a program established under the administration of Joe Biden that permits the temporary entry to the United States of migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti. These migrants must have sponsors in the U.S. who commit to providing financial support. To date, more than 530,000 people have benefited from this program.
What does the Trump administration plan to do with humanitarian parole?
The Trump administration plans to revoke the legal status of beneficiaries of humanitarian parole, which would affect over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This measure aims to reverse the immigration policies implemented by Biden and could result in deportation proceedings for those who have not regularized their immigration status.
What are the possible consequences for migrants affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole?
Migrants affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole could face deportation proceedings if they have not applied for or obtained another immigration benefit, such as asylum, a green card, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Those without legal status will lose the right to work legally in the U.S. and will receive notices to appear before an immigration court.
What alternatives do affected migrants have to regularize their status in the U.S.?
Affected migrants can explore alternatives such as applying for asylum or participating in temporary protected status programs. Cubans have the option to become permanent residents under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Venezuelans and Haitians may be eligible for TPS if they meet the requirements. It is crucial for beneficiaries to seek legal advice to explore all available options and avoid deportation.
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