The U.S. makes official the revocation of humanitarian parole: What changes and what should those affected know?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published this Tuesday, as expected, a Notice announcing the "Termination of parole processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans."

The extensive document, signed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and published in the Federal Register, officially communicates the decision to terminate the parole programs known as CHNV, created to allow the orderly and controlled entry of citizens from those four countries into the U.S.

The measure will have a profound impact on thousands of people and families who have until now relied on this mechanism to remain legally in the United States.

When does the program end?

The official date for the completion of the CHNV programs is March 25, 2025.

"The DHS has determined that, as part of the termination of the CHNV entry permit programs [...] the entry permits of foreign nationals who have been granted entry to the United States under these programs and whose permits have not expired before April 24, 2025, will end on that date, unless the Department of Homeland Security determines an exception."

The DHS was clear in stating that “people on probation who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States after the completion of the programs must leave the country before the expiration date of their permit.”

What prompted the termination of the CHNV programs?

The end of the programs is due to a drastic change in immigration policy following the arrival of the new administration.

In particular, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14165 on January 20, 2025, titled “Securing Our Borders,” which mandates the termination of all categorical parole programs that contravene the new immigration guidelines.

The Department of Homeland Security indicated that the humanitarian parole program “does not provide a significant public benefit, is not necessary to reduce levels of illegal immigration, does not sufficiently mitigate the internal effects of illegal immigration, does not meet its intended purposes, and is incompatible with the foreign policy objectives of the Administration.”

What happens to those who are already in the U.S. under these programs?

The approximately 532,000 foreigners who entered the U.S. under the CHNV programs are now under the spotlight for possible deportation if they have not regularized their status.

The DHS has announced that starting April 24, 2025, all active parole permits will be considered terminated, unless an application for asylum, adjustment of status, or another legal avenue to remain in the country has been submitted.

Those who have not initiated these proceedings must leave the United States before that date or they will face expedited deportation proceedings.

This means that, with few exceptions, current beneficiaries will need to leave the country before their parole expires, unless they have initiated legal proceedings such as asylum, adjustment of status, TPS, U or T visa, or are beneficiaries of a petition filed by a family member or employer.

The DHS clarifies that this decision also affects the work authorization, which will be revoked upon the expiration of the parole, the initiation of deportation proceedings, or the granting of voluntary departure.

What happens with pending applications or approved travel authorizations?

The government will cancel all pending travel authorization requests (ATA), as well as those that have already been approved but not used.

In the same way, the DHS will revoke all approved Form I-134A (documents used by sponsors to support a parole applicant) and will send “non-confirmation” notifications to both the applicant and the sponsor.

The DHS acknowledged that some potential beneficiaries had already incurred expenses or made significant plans, but emphasized that "the programs were discretionary, temporary, and warned that they could end at any time."

What arguments has the government used to justify this measure?

Border security failures: Despite the decrease in illegal crossings at entry points, the overall volume of migration remained high. The CHNV programs failed to effectively contain irregular migration flows.

Internal impact: The massive influx of individuals with parole has put pressure on public services, state and local resources, and the immigration system, including a rise in asylum applications and delays in immigration courts.

Incompatibility with the current foreign policy: The new administration believes that these programs do not align with its "America First" approach or with the ongoing bilateral agreements to control migration and facilitate deportations.

National interests prevail: The DHS argues that “the trust interests of sponsors, beneficiaries, and third parties do not outweigh the government of the United States’ sovereign interest in controlling its border and immigration system.”

What should people on parole do?

The DHS establishes a 30-day period starting from March 25 for beneficiaries who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country to leave voluntarily.

If they do not comply, they will be subject to coercive measures, including expedited deportation.

Those who have initiated valid immigration proceedings are not required to leave, but they must provide evidence of their process to avoid penalties or being subject to deportation proceedings.

Is there a possibility for an extension or reconsideration?

No. The DHS has been clear that the measure is definitive and that the 30-day period from the date of publication of the notice will be the only transition period for those under parole.

“The DHS has determined that a 30-day gradual phase-out period provides the affected parties with sufficient notice while preserving the DHS's ability to enforce the law in a timely manner,” they warn.

What official channels has the DHS established?

The notice published in the Federal Register serves as official notification and is legally binding for all parties involved.

Additionally, the DHS will notify each person through their USCIS online account, thus ensuring message delivery even if someone has not updated their mailing address.

The end of the CHNV programs marks a radical shift in the immigration policy of the United States.

Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who are beneficiaries of the program must make urgent and informed decisions.

"Parole is not a guaranteed right nor a pathway to permanent residency,” the DHS reminded, insisting that it is an exceptional, discretionary, and revocable resource.

Although the DHS acknowledges the personal, economic, and social impacts of its decision, it reiterates that "the sovereign interest of the U.S. Government in determining who is granted conditional entry permission to the United States" takes precedence over any other consideration.

“Neither urgent humanitarian reasons nor significant public benefit justify the continued presence of foreigners on conditional release under the CHNV programs,” concludes the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Humanitarian Parole by the U.S.