Related videos:
The Miami-Dade tax collector, Cuban-American Dariel Fernández, expressed his support for the recent immigration policy promoted by former President Donald Trump, but called for "responsibility and integrity" in reviewing cases under the humanitarian parole program, especially for those fleeing dictatorships.
In a message posted on his Instagram account, Fernández announced that he has sent a formal letter to President Trump and to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, requesting an individualized review of the beneficiaries of parole.
"Freedom is the true American Dream, and we must defend it. (…) I fully support the deportation of those who lie, abuse the system, or commit crimes, but I also believe we must protect those who came with hope seeking freedom from dictatorships," he stated.
The official attributed the current migration crisis to what he described as an "irresponsible" opening of the borders by the Joe Biden administration, which, according to him, was motivated more by political goals than humanitarian concerns.
"The Biden administration created this crisis by irresponsibly opening the borders for political gains. It is time to correct it, with responsibility and integrity," he added.
Although Fernández supports measures to protect national security and combat immigration fraud, he emphasized that not all parole beneficiaries should be treated the same
"We cannot lump together those who came to commit crimes with those who escaped totalitarianism in search of a new life in freedom," he stated.
His statement comes days after the Department of Homeland Security announced the cancellation of the humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (known as CHNV), in compliance with Executive Order 14165 signed by Trump on January 20.
According to the DHS, more than 532,000 people entered the United States between 2022 and 2025 under this mechanism. The new immigration approach maintains that these programs "did not reduce irregular migration" and placed pressure on public resources and the immigration judicial system.
Current permits will become invalid within 30 days, except for those determined by the DHS. Pending travel permits and employment authorizations derived from parole will also be revoked, leaving thousands of people in a migratory limbo.
Dariel Fernández, Cuban-American businessman, began serving this year as the first elected tax collector of Miami-Dade, a position that disappeared in the county in 1977. He has been recognized for his commitment to the Cuban community in exile and his advocacy for human rights on the Island.
His public statement aims to ensure that the actions of DHS under the Trump administration do not revictimize individuals persecuted by authoritarian regimes, especially from Cuba, the country from which Fernández emigrated with his family in the 1990s.
The letter sent by the Miami-Dade official could pave the way for a more balanced approach to the implementation of the new immigration policy, advocating for stringent yet fair enforcement.
Meanwhile, thousands of migrants across the United States are awaiting with uncertainty the outcome of a measure that could radically change their legal status and life expectations.
Frequently asked questions about humanitarian parole and its impact on migrants
What is humanitarian parole and why is it important for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela?
The humanitarian parole was a program that allowed the temporary entry of migrants for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This program was crucial for thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as it provided them with a legal pathway to enter the United States and escape difficult situations in their home countries.
Why was humanitarian parole canceled under the Trump administration?
The Donald Trump administration canceled the humanitarian parole, stating that it did not reduce irregular migration nor improve border security. Additionally, it was noted that the program was putting pressure on public resources and the immigration judiciary system, which led to its termination through Executive Order 14165.
What consequences does a migrant face if their parole has been revoked?
Migrants whose parole has been revoked could face deportation if they do not have any other legal basis to remain in the United States. Furthermore, they will lose their employment authorization and any pending travel permits. It is advised that they seek legal alternatives to regularize their status, such as applying for asylum or accessing programs like the Cuban Adjustment Act for Cubans.
What measures has Dariel Fernández proposed in response to the cancellation of humanitarian parole?
Dariel Fernández has proposed a case-by-case review of the beneficiaries of humanitarian parole. Fernández advocates for an approach that distinguishes between those seeking freedom from dictatorships and those who abuse the system, thereby defending those persecuted by authoritarian regimes.
Filed under:
