The U.S. government has begun revoking work permits issued under the CBP One program, a move that has raised concerns among thousands of migrants, especially Cubans, who relied on this legal route to settle in the country.
The immigration attorney Liudmila A. Marcelo explained in an interview with Telemundo 51 that a work permit is only valid as long as the beneficiary maintains a current immigration status, in this case, the parole granted upon crossing the border under the program known as CBP One.
"Once that status disappears, the work permit loses its legal foundation. There is no basis for it to remain active," he said. He recalled that working without authorization can have negative effects on the future immigration status of those affected. "Now that detail carries weight. It can work against you when applying for a status adjustment or asylum," Marcelo specified.
For his part, attorney Jesús Novo, in an interview with Mario J. Pentón, agreed that the legal situation for the beneficiaries of CBP One has become extremely fragile, but they do not have to give up.
"The revocation has been general, affecting all the paroles that entered through CBP One. If your employer has E-Verify, they need to check your status and if it is revoked, you must leave. You cannot continue working. You have until May 14 to provide evidence that you maintain the parole or that you have an alternative form of work authorization," said Novo.
Those who do not renew their immigration status are at immediate risk of losing their work permit and being declared in deportation proceedings. Several attorneys point out that each case is different, which is why those involved need to urgently assess their situation.
Regarding the possibility for Cuban cases with CBP One to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act, Novo pointed out that it does not matter if they have lost their work permit; they can still take advantage of that legal provision.
The lawyer Rosaly Chaviano, in an interview with AmericaTeVe Miami, pointed out that the government is showing desperation to expel immigrants and commented on how the Trump Administration is offering $1,000 to those who self-deport.
"Apparently, they are not achieving the deportations as expected and are using other methods, such as this one of offering incentives. (...) People who leave the country and do not appear in court are likely to receive a deportation order in absentia which has greater consequences for the future," Chaviano warned.
This could mean being unable to enter the United States for 10 years or more.
Work permits will be revoked on May 14, and the parole will end seven days later. U.S. authorities recommend self-deportation with CBP Home, but Chaviano advises that before making such a significant decision, individuals should review their cases with a professional.
"If you have another way to obtain a work permit, start doing it," he noted.
Many immigrants are unaware that their parole has already expired or been revoked, as sometimes the notification arrives via email and not everyone pays attention to their messages. Being uninformed does not exempt them from legal consequences.
The majority of the affected migrants are Cuban, although there are also Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans who entered the United States through CBP One.
This application was created during the Joe Biden administration to facilitate legal entry through the southern border, using scheduled appointments. Immigrants were granted parole, work permits, and began integrating into society.
However, in early 2025, the administration of Donald Trump began dismantling the program and ordered the revocation of benefits.
Those affected are receiving emails from the Department of Homeland Security demanding that they voluntarily leave the country through the CBP Home platform, or face penalties and legal proceedings.
Experts agree that these cases require immediate legal advice to avoid any mistakes that could hinder future regularization.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Work Permits under CBP One
Why are the work permits issued under CBP One being revoked?
The United States government has begun to revoke work permits issued under the CBP One program as part of a tightening of immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump. This measure affects migrants who entered with parole and whose immigration status is no longer considered valid, leaving them without the legal basis to maintain their work permits.
What should migrants affected by the revocation of work permits do?
Affected migrants should seek immediate legal advice to evaluate their legal options, as each case is different. Furthermore, they must provide evidence of their current immigration status before May 14 to avoid deportation proceedings. It is crucial not to provide false information in immigration applications, as this could lead to additional penalties.
Can Cubans apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act if their work permit has been revoked?
Working without a valid permit does not prevent Cubans from benefiting from the Cuban Adjustment Act, as long as they meet the established requirements. However, it is essential to proceed with caution and seek legal advice to avoid jeopardizing future immigration status applications.
What are the consequences of working without a valid permit in the United States?
Working without a valid permit can have negative effects on the future immigration status of those affected. This includes complications when applying for a status adjustment or asylum, and it may count against them in any future immigration processes. Therefore, it is recommended not to work without the proper authorization and to seek legal alternatives.
How can migrants prove that their work permit remains valid?
Migrants can verify their I-94 in the online system to ensure it is active and matches the validity of their work permit. If they have not received an official notice of revocation from USCIS, their permit should remain active. It is also advisable for employers to check employment eligibility through Form I-9.
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