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The migratory fate of nearly a million Venezuelans in the United States is at stake in two federal courts, one in Boston and the other in San Francisco, California, where key lawsuits regarding humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are being debated.
The decisions made in the coming weeks could determine whether thousands of people lose their immigration protection or can remain in the country in search of other alternatives.
Both programs have been essential for Venezuelan citizens who fled the deep crisis in their country. But now they face attempts at cancellation driven by President Donald Trump and other sectors questioning the legality of these protections.
The measure to revoke parole permits also harms thousands of Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans.
Humanitarian parole: pressure in Boston for an immediate suspension
In the federal court in Boston, the plaintiffs—beneficiaries and sponsors of the humanitarian parole program—requested this week an emergency suspension of 14 days regarding the cancellation of the program, according to the network Telemundo.
Although the judge has not yet responded, a decision is expected in the coming days, given the urgency of the case.
A second hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 7, where the court will be asked to keep the program in place until the entire litigation is resolved.
“The damage caused by abruptly eliminating this would be enormous,” said Adela de la Torre, lawyer for the Justice Action Center. “What the Trump administration is doing is neither appropriate nor legally sound.”
The current beneficiaries retain legal status for two years, during which they can adjust their status. However, a new document would impose a deadline ending on April 24 for those who have not initiated that adjustment process to leave the country.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, California, another group of lawyers presented arguments before a federal court to prevent the cancellation of TPS for Venezuelans, which currently protects around 350,000 people.
The defenders of the program requested the judge to keep the TPS active while the case progresses, noting that its elimination, without a solid legal basis, would have a devastating impact on the community.
Adelys Ferro, director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, expressed to Telemundo that the situation in Venezuela remains critical: “Venezuela is not a country one can return to, and just because 600,000 Venezuelans with TPS in the country are doing things right, legally, it does not mean they are criminals.”
If a precautionary measure is not granted, the protection of TPS would also expire on April 7, leaving hundreds of thousands of people exposed to deportation or the loss of their jobs and livelihoods.
A legal precedent and a community in suspense
For immigration lawyers like Claudia Cañizares, both cases have strong legal backing. In the past, federal courts have already ruled in favor of parole, validating the Biden administration's authority to implement it. "I wouldn't be surprised if judges now also recognize that suddenly canceling these protections is disproportionate and harmful," she stated in remarks to the mentioned news outlet.
While court rulings are awaited, uncertainty grows among Venezuelans in the U.S., who face the very real possibility of becoming undocumented within weeks, unless the courts intervene to halt the government's decisions.
In fact, the Chavista regime has once again accepted deportation flights, which means there is a possibility that they will be deported and have to deal with the communist ideas of dictator Nicolás Maduro once more.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Humanitarian Parole and TPS for Venezuelans in the U.S.
What is humanitarian parole and why is it at risk of being canceled?
The humanitarian parole is a program that allows certain migrants to reside temporarily in the U.S. It was implemented to provide individuals from countries experiencing political and economic crises, such as Venezuela, with a legal alternative to enter and stay in the country. However, it is at risk of being canceled due to the immigration policies of President Donald Trump, who believes that the program is an improper use of immigration authority.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and how does it affect Venezuelans?
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that allows individuals from certain countries to reside and work legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis. For Venezuelans, TPS has been a crucial protection in light of the crisis in their country. However, the Trump administration has revoked TPS for thousands of Venezuelans, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.
What are the legal implications of the termination of TPS and humanitarian parole?
The revocation of TPS and humanitarian parole puts thousands of migrants at risk of deportation and job loss. Those who cannot regularize their status through other legal avenues may face deportation proceedings. Several groups have filed lawsuits arguing that these revocations are illegal and discriminatory.
Are there alternatives for Venezuelans affected by the end of TPS and humanitarian parole?
Venezuelans who are affected may consider applying for asylum or seeking other avenues of legal protection, such as TPS if they qualify. It is recommended to seek specialized legal advice to assess all available options and act swiftly to avoid falling outside the legal framework.
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