The administration of President Donald Trump has just revoked the probation of 6,300 foreigners who were on the surveillance lists of the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center or who had criminal records.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made the announcement public, informing that these individuals had received taxpayer-funded benefits, such as Medicaid and unemployment insurance, during their time on probation.
The DOGE indicated that these foreigners, although they did not have any other legal status in the United States, had received authorization to work and obtained social security numbers.
The entity led by Elon Musk details the following benefits received by some of them:
Ninety-five (including four who are on the terrorist watch list) were beneficiaries of Medicaid. A total of $276,000 was paid out.
Forty-one were receiving unemployment benefits, getting $42,000 in assistance.
Twenty-two received federal student loans totaling $280,000.
Four hundred nine received {net} tax refunds (only in 2024) totaling $751,000.
Several (the final number has not been determined) received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as 'Food Stamps'.
The department indicated that there may be more individuals who were released on parole despite being on the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or having criminal records.
According to the DOGE, under the Biden administration, it was common for the Border Patrol (CBP) to admit foreigners without legal status into the United States with minimal background checks, which allowed them to be released conditionally.
To date, the agency has identified a subgroup of 6,300 individuals on probation in the country since 2023, who are listed in the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or have criminal records.
"These conditional liberties have been canceled with immediate effect," the message emphasized.
President Trump maintains his rhetoric of ensuring security at the United States' borders, and his administration continues to take steps to eliminate policies that, according to him, put the nation at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Parole for Foreigners by the Trump Administration
Why did the Trump administration revoke parole for thousands of foreigners?
The Trump administration revoked parole for 6,300 foreigners due to being on FBI watchlists or having criminal records. This decision was part of an effort to ensure security at the borders of the United States and to eliminate policies from the Biden administration that, according to Trump, endangered the country. The measure also aims to curb these individuals' access to taxpayer-funded benefits, such as Medicaid and unemployment insurance.
What benefits did the affected foreigners receive during their probation?
During their probation, some foreigners received benefits such as Medicaid, unemployment insurance, federal student loans, and tax refunds. It was reported that 95 individuals, including some on the terrorist watchlist, were beneficiaries of Medicaid at a cost of $276,000. Additionally, 41 people claimed unemployment insurance amounting to $42,000, and 409 received tax refunds totaling $751,000 in 2024.
What additional measures has Trump taken to control immigration?
Trump has granted more power to ICE to rapidly deport immigrants with humanitarian parole and has revoked the use of applications such as CBP One. These measures are part of a broader policy of tightening immigration laws, which includes the revocation of legal statuses granted under the Biden administration and the authorization for expedited deportations. Additionally, programs that allowed legal entry for migrants from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have been suspended.
What impact does the revocation of parole have on the affected immigrants?
The affected immigrants will lose their legal status, which could lead them to face deportation proceedings. If they have not applied for or obtained another immigration benefit, such as asylum, a green card, or Temporary Protected Status, they will lose their right to work legally in the United States. This situation puts many in a position of uncertainty and vulnerability, especially those who relied on the legal pathways offered by the previous government.
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