The Trump administration is gearing up to strip legal status from numerous migrants hailing from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These individuals entered the United States legally under former President Joe Biden's administration. This policy shift could affect over 530,000 people who were granted temporary stay in the country through the "humanitarian parole" program, as per internal documents reviewed by CBS News.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has crafted a proposal, detailed in an unpublished notice, aimed at terminating the CHNV program. This initiative, launched by the Biden administration, was intended to provide a lawful entry route for migrants from these four nations. The policy permitted entry provided they had U.S. sponsors committed to their financial support. The Biden administration maintained that the CHNV program deterred illegal immigration by offering a legal option to enter the U.S.
Upon assuming office, President Trump halted the initiative, arguing it misused parole authority in immigration—an authority previously used to admit these migrants and allow them to apply for work permits. Under the new directive, Trump's administration would revoke the parole status of those who entered under the CHNV policy and initiate deportation proceedings against them if they have not applied for or obtained another immigration benefit, such as asylum, a green card, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Uncertainty Looms for Program Beneficiaries
There remains a lack of clarity regarding how many migrants under this program have sought alternative immigration benefits. The timeline for implementing the new measure is also unspecified. Those stripped of parole status without another immigration classification will lose the right to work legally in the U.S. Furthermore, they will receive notices to appear in immigration court, marking the first step in the deportation process.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration empowered immigration officers, including ICE agents, to conduct expedited removals of migrants admitted under various Biden-era policies, including the CHNV program.
Potential Avenues of Protection for Migrants
Some CHNV beneficiaries might find refuge through other programs. Cubans, for instance, have a unique pathway to permanent residency via the Cuban Adjustment Act, a Cold War legacy. Any migrant can apply for asylum, though this requires proof of persecution based on political, religious, or other grounds—a challenging legal standard. Yet, fear persists among humanitarian parole beneficiaries.
For Haitians and Venezuelans, many are enrolled in TPS, granting them temporary deportation protection and work permits. However, TPS has also faced criticism from the Trump administration, which regards it as an exploited policy. Indeed, this week, the administration withdrew a TPS extension for Venezuelans, potentially leaving many migrants from that nation without protection.
Reactions and Criticism of the Policy
The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the proposal, which remains largely under wraps. However, Tom Jawetz, a former DHS immigration official during the Biden administration, condemned the plan: "Targeting individuals who arrived in the U.S. with sponsors and continue to abide by the rules is not only gratuitously cruel but will also make our system more chaotic."
Immigration policy has been a cornerstone of Trump's governance strategy, with measures tightening against both illegal and legal immigration. His administration has made decisions restricting the U.S. asylum system, granting ICE agents more authority to act against undocumented immigrants, and allowing Pentagon resources to be used for border control tasks, including military aircraft for deportations.
A Step Back from Humanitarian Policies
Dismantling Biden's immigration policy has been a priority for Trump. Besides the CHNV program, the administration has suspended other initiatives, like the CBP One mobile app that allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule asylum appointments at official border entry points. Processes for admitting Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, Afghans escaping the Taliban regime, and Central American children seeking to reunite with family in the U.S. have also been eliminated.
Like the CHNV program, these initiatives relied on parole authority, which is currently under review by the Trump administration to decide on its complete abolition. This measure represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and could profoundly impact thousands of migrants who arrived hoping to build a better life under the humanitarian policies previously implemented.
FAQs on Trump’s Changes to Immigration Policies
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allowed migrants from certain countries to enter the U.S. legally, provided they had sponsors who would support them financially.
How many people could be affected by the policy change?
The policy change could impact over 530,000 individuals who were admitted to the U.S. through the humanitarian parole program.
What alternatives do affected migrants have?
Affected migrants may seek asylum, apply for a green card, or potentially qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), though each option has its challenges and requirements.