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What was celebrated just a few days ago as a good news for thousands of Cubans, today seems to be turning back into a nightmare. The Trump administration has ordered, once again, the immediate cancellation of humanitarian parole for more than 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, demanding that they leave the country under the threat of forced deportation.
The announcement, confirmed exclusively by CNN and supported by an official notice from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), revokes the legal residency and work permit granted during the Joe Biden administration through the CHNV parole program.
"This notice informs you that your parole has been revoked", states the message sent via email to the beneficiaries. "If you do not leave the country, you may be subject to coercive measures, including detention and deportation".
The news, like all those related to this migratory context, has caused dismay among those affected, particularly Cubans, who just two days earlier were celebrating the announcement of the resumption of immigration procedures by the Citizenship and Immigration Service, following a court order issued in Massachusetts.
That announcement included the reactivation of permanent residency applications under the Cuban Adjustment Act, work permits, TPS, and other legal pathways for relief for those who had already been in the U.S. for more than a year and a day as beneficiaries of parole.
Many Cubans had interpreted that reactivation as a light at the end of the tunnel after months of uncertainty, and they had begun to prepare documents, forms, and proof of residency in the hope of regularizing their situation. Today, that hope has been crushed by an executive order that, backed by an emergency decision from the Supreme Court, allows the Trump administration to expedite deportations without guarantees of immigration defense.
The humanitarian parole program was created in January 2023 as a legal and safe alternative for migrants from crisis-stricken countries. By December 2024, the following had entered the U.S. legally through this mechanism: 110,240 Cubans, 211,040 Haitians, 93,070 Nicaraguans, and 117,330 Venezuelans.
Many of these people currently reside in Florida and other areas of the country, with formal jobs, school-aged children, and community ties.
But since Trump's arrival in the presidency on January 20, the parole has been under constant attack. The current decision marks one of the most severe blows, dismantling in a matter of days a policy that provided a humanitarian solution to irregular crossings and offered thousands of Cubans a genuine opportunity for a dignified and stable life in the United States.
Although the cancellation of the parole is based on a temporary decision by the Supreme Court, the case will continue in lower courts. “This decision is a humanitarian disaster. You cannot play with the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who did everything through legal means,” denounced a spokesperson for the Coalition for Immigrant Rights in Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cancellation of Humanitarian Parole in the U.S.
Why was the humanitarian parole for over 530,000 migrants canceled?
The cancellation of humanitarian parole was ordered by the administration of Donald Trump as part of its more restrictive immigration policy. This decision is supported by Executive Order 14165, which aims to secure the border and terminate categorical parole programs, arguing that these measures did not succeed in reducing irregular migration or enhancing border security.
What is the impact of this cancellation on Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
The cancellation of humanitarian parole directly affects thousands of Cubans who entered the U.S. under this program. Many of them now face the possibility of deportation, as they will lose their legal status and work authorization. Additionally, those who have not completed the process to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act could find themselves in legal limbo.
What alternatives do migrants affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole have?
Affected migrants can explore other legal avenues to regularize their status, such as applying for asylum or participating in programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS), if applicable. Cubans, in particular, can attempt to take advantage of the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows for permanent residency after one year and one day of stay in the U.S.
What legal actions have been taken against the cancellation of humanitarian parole?
The cancellation of humanitarian parole has been the subject of litigation in the courts. A recent ruling by a judge in Boston temporarily blocked the removal of certain immigration benefits for beneficiaries, although the Trump administration appealed this decision. The case is still in the courts, and a final resolution is still pending.
What repercussions could this measure have on U.S. immigration policy?
The revocation of humanitarian parole reflects a shift towards more restrictive immigration policies in the U.S. and could set a precedent for future decisions regarding immigration programs. Furthermore, this measure could heighten tensions with the countries of origin of the affected migrants, such as Cuba, which may resist accepting a large number of returnees.
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