A judicial decision in the United States has brought hope to thousands of Cuban migrants enrolled in the humanitarian parole program, after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's measure aimed at eliminating their immigration benefits in April.
The journalist Mario J. Pentón interviewed immigration attorney Jesús Novo, who confirmed that many migrants with parole and form I-94 have started receiving favorable responses from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
"Several people have called and written to me to confirm that their restored I-94 is being returned to them," said Pentón.
Novo recalled that this situation generated fear in the migrant community, including Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, especially after the U.S. government planned to revoke the parole benefits starting April 24.
Now the situation has changed, but not completely. The lawyer left an important warning.
Who revoked Trump's measure to eliminate parole benefits?
The federal judge Indira Talwani from Boston concluded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) incorrectly applied the law by canceling the benefits, as the migrants entered the country legally with official permission.
Additionally, another serious issue occurred when ICE mistakenly included individuals with parole on a list of deceased persons, which led to the suspension of their Social Security number. This measure has also been reversed.
"It was an attempt to cut benefits for certain immigrants, but that's nonsense and we all knew it wouldn't hold up," stated lawyer Novo.
The judicial ruling represents a relief for more than 531,000 individuals who legally entered the U.S. from January 2023 to December 2024 through the CHNV program. More than 110,000 people entered through this route from Cuba alone.
Warning: Despite the relief, the case remains open in court
“It is important to remember that the federal government filed a challenge to the judge’s decision. We must stay vigilant because, if the appeals court overturns the ruling, the processes could be prolonged,” warned Novo.
"It is good news, but we must stay informed about the court's decisions. So far it is temporary, it could become permanent, but we have to wait," he insisted.
The lawyer also urged the beneficiaries of the parole not to let their guard down and to focus on the individual processing of their cases, as obtaining permanent legal status in the United States could be more complex than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humanitarian Parole for Cubans and Other Migrants
What does the recent court ruling mean for beneficiaries of humanitarian parole?
The recent court ruling provides temporary relief as it prevents the mass elimination of humanitarian parole, requiring the government to review each case individually. However, it is warned that the case remains open in the courts, and the situation could change if the appeals court overturns the ruling.
How does the court decision affect Cubans with humanitarian parole?
For Cuban nationals with humanitarian parole, the court ruling provides a temporary respite against the threat of revocation of their immigration benefits. However, beneficiaries are advised to remain vigilant and explore their options for permanently legalizing their status.
What steps should beneficiaries of humanitarian parole follow given the current situation?
Beneficiaries of humanitarian parole should seek legal counsel to assess their immigration situation, explore other options such as asylum or status adjustment, and stay informed about changes in the court case. It is crucial not to fall for scams and to follow the recommendations of qualified attorneys.
How can Cubans benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act if the parole is revoked?
Even if the parole is revoked, Cubans who obtained it and have remained in the U.S. for at least one year can apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act to request their permanent residency. The key is having met the physical presence requirement in the country.
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