In November 2024, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency approved a mere 50 humanitarian paroles under the program designated for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). This notable decline in parole approvals signals the possible end of the program, raising concerns among migrants from these nations who had found a safe and legal pathway to enter the U.S.
None of the 50 paroles granted favored Cuban nationals. According to the report, since the program's inception in January 2023, a total of 110,240 Cubans have successfully and legally entered the United States through this initiative, as confirmed in October.
The countries receiving new legal travel authorizations to the U.S. through humanitarian parole included Haiti with 30 cases, Nicaragua with 10, and Venezuela with 10. Overall, the program has granted a total of 531,670 migrants parole approvals, illustrating the positive impact of the measure, despite the recent significant drop in approvals.
This slowdown in new approvals is attributed to the introduction of additional safeguards during the case review process. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented more rigorous scrutiny of sponsors in the U.S., employing biometric and biographical analyses.
The CBP statement also highlights that since the introduction of these policies, irregular crossings by nationals from CHNV countries have decreased by 98%. They attribute this to the effectiveness of parole as a tool for managing migration in an orderly manner.
However, with the end of Joe Biden's administration and the beginning of Donald Trump's new term in the White House, a significant shift in U.S. immigration policies is anticipated. The parole program's days appear numbered.
Understanding the Impact of Humanitarian Parole on Cuban Migrants
What is the CHNV program?
The CHNV program is a humanitarian parole initiative for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, providing a legal pathway to enter the United States.
Why have parole approvals declined?
The decline in parole approvals is due to the implementation of stricter review processes, including enhanced scrutiny of sponsors through biometric and biographical checks.
What changes are expected with Trump's administration?
With Donald Trump's return to the presidency, significant changes in U.S. immigration policies are expected, which may include the termination of the humanitarian parole program.