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A federal judge in the United States temporarily blocked the administration of President Donald Trump from suspending the humanitarian parole programs that allow the legal entry of thousands of migrants with American sponsors into the country.
The information was reported by the agency Reuters, which detailed that District Judge Indira Talwani, based in Boston, issued an order requiring the agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume the processing of applications from migrants covered by these programs, at least until an ongoing class action lawsuit is resolved.
Talwani rejected the argument from the Trump administration, which claimed to have the discretion to terminate these programs as part of its immigration policies.
The judge clarified that, although the government can direct immigration policy, federal agencies are still legally required to adhere to a formal process for granting or denying immigration benefits such as parole.
The judicial decision arises in response to a lawsuit challenging the suspension of the processing of applications from migrants from Cuba, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, whether to enter the country under the parole program or for those who already have it and are seeking to change their immigration status.
Talwani, appointed during Barack Obama's presidency, had already halted in April an attempt by the government to revoke the temporary legal status of hundreds of thousands of migrants from those countries, including Cubans.
The Trump administration requested that the U.S. Supreme Court suspend that decision while the appeal is being resolved.
The new court order responds to policies adopted following Trump's return to the White House on January 20, when he signed an executive order instructing the DHS to end the parole programs established during the presidency of Joe Biden.
On that same day, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Benjamine Huffman, ordered the suspension, modification, or elimination of any categorical parole program, claiming that the law only permits it to be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Following that directive, new applications were no longer processed and staff were prohibited from considering changes in immigration status for already approved beneficiaries, including options such as asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
In April, the White House clearly warned that it does not intend to sit idly by following a judge's decision that overturned President Donald Trump's order to revoke the immigration program that grants legal status to 530,000 Venezuelans, Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians, known as humanitarian parole.
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, harshly criticized the court ruling, arguing that it represents a direct interference in the mass deportation plans driven by the Republican administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Humanitarian Parole under the Trump Administration
What is humanitarian parole and who does it benefit?
The humanitarian parole is a program that allows temporary entry to the United States for humanitarian reasons or significant public interest. It was implemented by the Joe Biden administration and has benefited over 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Beneficiaries can enter by air with legal sponsors and receive temporary permits for two years to reside and work in the country.
What is the reason for the suspension of humanitarian parole by the Trump administration?
The Trump administration argues that humanitarian parole failed to reduce irregular migration or improve border security. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the program created logistical pressures and did not meet the criteria of "significant public benefit." They believe the program was an abuse of executive powers and seek to eliminate it to strengthen immigration control.
What implications does Judge Indira Talwani's court ruling have on humanitarian parole?
Judge Indira Talwani temporarily blocked the suspension of humanitarian parole, ordering its reinstatement until an ongoing class-action lawsuit is resolved. Her ruling prevents the Trump administration from broadly revoking the legal status of program beneficiaries without a case-by-case review, as mandated by law. This provides temporary protection to migrants, allowing them to continue working and residing legally in the country.
How does this situation affect Cuban immigrants in the United States?
The suspension of humanitarian parole affects more than 110,000 Cubans who entered the United States under this program. Many of them could lose their legal status and work authorization, facing the possibility of immediate deportation if they do not have another legal avenue to remain in the country. Additionally, the DHS's decision has halted the processing of pending applications for status adjustment, asylum, or other immigration benefits.
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