A new legal action before a Federal Court in Boston has rekindled the hopes of thousands of migrant beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program implemented by the Joe Biden administration in 2023.
The case, driven by a group of sponsors and beneficiaries, seeks to halt a massive revocation of permits that threatens to leave thousands of people in a state of deportation.
Although the U.S. Supreme Court had previously authorized the Trump administration to revoke the parole and work permits granted under this program, the litigation remains active.
The plaintiffs, supported by organizations such as Justice Action Center, have filed a motion for summary judgment seeking a definitive ruling that legally protects Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans who are beneficiaries of parole.
What does the motion seek?
The aim of the motion is to achieve a swift ruling that halts the immediate revocation of immigration benefits granted by the program, as revealed by Telemundo 51.
Adela de la Torre, spokesperson for Justice Action Center, explained that if the judge approves the motion, the cancellation of residency and work permits would be halted, providing temporary relief to thousands of families.
This request does not propose a change in the eligibility criteria for parole, but rather suggests accelerating the judicial and administrative timeline, allowing pending applications—submitted before the temporary suspension of the program—to be processed without further delay.
The plaintiffs emphasize that, if the motion is not approved, thousands of people will be left exposed to deportation after having entered legally and complying with all the requirements imposed by the U.S. government.
Many had already begun integration processes: they established residences, secured jobs, and enrolled their children in schools.
The sudden removal of their status not only jeopardizes their lives and familial stability but also represents a breach of the principle of good faith on the part of the immigration authorities, the lawyers in the case assert.
In addition to the attempt to halt the revocations, the lawyers filed an additional motion for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to urgently resolve the pending parole applications that were submitted before the suspension of the program.
This measure is part of a previous court order that directed USCIS to resume the processing of applications already submitted by nationals from the four included countries.
In fact, this resumption would have begun recently, but the petitioners believe that a clear and fair timeline has not yet been established.
Background: The Abrupt End of a Key Program
The humanitarian parole program was launched in January 2023 as a legal tool to assist migrants from countries facing deep political and economic crises.
It allowed citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally enter the United States if they had a sponsor in the country.
According to data from the federal government, more than 530,000 people received authorization to travel to U.S. territory under that program, of which 110,000 are Cubans.
However, last Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the immediate cessation of stay permits and work permits for those who entered the country under parole.
The measure included a formal notification via email to the beneficiaries, informing them of the termination of their immigration status and urging them to leave the country voluntarily.
If they do not comply, they could be detained or deported without the possibility of organizing personal matters or seeking legal recourse, the DHS warned in its statement.
An uncertain future, but with hope
The resolution of this motion could mark a turning point for thousands of migrants who, after having entered the United States legally, now face the specter of deportation.
Although the outlook remains uncertain, the ongoing judicial process in Boston represents a beacon of hope for those who have bet on a better future under the protection of U.S. law.
For now, the migrant community and its advocates hope that justice will provide a definitive solution that ensures not only the continued presence of current beneficiaries but also the fair and equitable treatment of pending applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humanitarian Parole and Legal Action in the U.S.
What is humanitarian parole in the United States?
The humanitarian parole is a program that allows entry and temporary residence in the United States for individuals from countries in crisis, provided they have a sponsor in the country. It was implemented by the Joe Biden administration in 2023 for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This program granted them residence and work permits for two years.
Why is humanitarian parole being revoked?
The administration of Donald Trump, since his return to power in 2025, has attempted to revoke humanitarian parole, arguing that it undermines federal efforts to control irregular immigration and that it was improperly implemented. The Supreme Court allowed Trump to revoke the parole, leaving more than 500,000 migrants at risk of deportation.
What is the motion presented in the Federal Court of Boston seeking?
The motion seeks to halt the mass revocation of humanitarian parole permits and expedite the processing of pending applications. This legal action aims to provide temporary relief to the beneficiaries of the program while the ongoing litigation is resolved.
What implications does the suspension of parole have for Cubans in the U.S.?
The suspension of parole directly affects thousands of Cubans who entered the country legally through this program. The revocation of parole leaves many without legal status, exposing them to deportation and making it difficult for them to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act to obtain permanent residency.
What is the impact of the judicial decision on the humanitarian parole program?
The judicial decision to temporarily block the revocation of humanitarian parole represents a sigh of relief for beneficiaries, allowing their cases to be assessed individually before any cancellation. This provides temporary relief and the opportunity to explore other legal avenues to regularize their status in the United States.
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