Renowned immigration attorney Willy Allen has shed light on the repercussions following the Trump administration's decision to indefinitely halt the processing of immigration applications for beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program, among others. Allen estimates that this move impacts over 800,000 individuals, including 531,000 who entered under parole (with 110,000 being Cubans), 240,000 Ukrainians, and a smaller group admitted through family parole.
When questioned by Univision journalist Daniel Benítez about the current situation for a Cuban who entered via humanitarian parole and applied for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year and a day without yet receiving it, Allen advised that the only option is to "wait for processing." He noted that even before the recent suspension, "the residency process was already significantly delayed," expressing skepticism that the suspension genuinely aims to investigate nearly "a million people's cases."
"For me, this suspension is primarily about instilling fear, panic, and confusion," the attorney asserted. Allen advises Cuban applicants waiting for their residency to continue living their lives as usual until the situation unfolds. However, he highlighted the dire situation for parole beneficiaries whose work permits may expire during this processing freeze, potentially leading to job losses. "That's the major concern; that's where panic sets in. Some individuals will face a period without a work permit or driver's license," he stated.
Allen emphasized that they cannot change this situation, nor is seeking asylum a viable option now, as it wouldn't offer more protection than their pending residency application. Addressing whether the current process affects humanitarian parole beneficiaries who have already been granted residency, Allen remained cautious, given the unpredictability of the current administration. "In my opinion, it doesn't affect them, but if their entry is deemed illegal, who knows what might happen," he stated.
Regarding those who entered via CBP One, Allen clarified that this group isn't included in the suspension, mainly because most individuals entering through this route already have ongoing court proceedings. However, complications arise for Cubans entering through CBP One, as they typically don't seek asylum due to their ability to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act with the parole granted at the border crossing. "They're affected because their entry has been deemed illegal via a parole that shouldn't have been granted, so I imagine Cuban residency via CBP One might face delays," he explained. "The others from CBP One are in court; they need to file and fight for asylum," he said, referring to other nationalities.
Allen stated that he will continue submitting applications under the Cuban Adjustment Act, as "it's a separate law." "In my view, this current process is about fear and confusion, but at the end of the day, Cubans and others who entered this way will eventually obtain the benefits they're seeking," he concluded optimistically. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that some individuals will inevitably find themselves in a limbo regarding expired work permits due to the current circumstances, compounded by the administration's generally hostile stance toward immigration.
Indefinite Suspension of Humanitarian Parole and Family Reunification Cases
The Trump administration's unexpected decision to indefinitely suspend the processing of immigration applications for humanitarian parole beneficiaries has caused significant concern among thousands of Cubans relying on this program to regularize their status in the U.S. Previously, in conversations with CaféFuerte, Allen described the announcement as a "troubling decision." "Processes will now be much slower," he remarked in another interview with Martí Noticias, emphasizing the paralyzing effect this step will have on processing immigration benefits.
Allen also noted that "the Cuban Adjustment Act is separate from other immigration laws and only requires an inspection and legal entry"; however, he added, "it's likely more arguments will be needed in the future." "This doesn't mean one can't apply for benefits, but while the programs are under review, cases will accumulate," he concluded.
An internal memo from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed the halt of all applications for immigrants who entered the U.S. through humanitarian parole and family reunification programs. The document, signed by USCIS's Acting Director Andrew Davidson, outlines an "administrative pause on all pending benefit applications" for immigrants admitted under these programs. This information was disclosed by CBS News and corroborated by anonymous government sources.
The memo specifies that the suspension of applications is due to "fraud and security concerns" and will remain in effect indefinitely while procedures are reviewed. This decision will impact approximately one million immigrants, including those in the process of obtaining permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Key Questions on Humanitarian Parole Suspension
How many Cubans are affected by the suspension of humanitarian parole processing?
Approximately 110,000 Cubans are affected, as estimated by lawyer Willy Allen.
What are the implications for Cubans with expiring work permits during the processing freeze?
Cubans with expiring work permits may face job losses and a period without a work permit or driver's license.
Does the suspension affect those who entered through CBP One?
CBP One entrants are not directly affected by the suspension, but Cubans using this route might experience delays in obtaining residency.
Why has the processing been suspended indefinitely?
The suspension aims to address "fraud and security concerns" as outlined in an internal USCIS memo.