The Trump administration is preparing to terminate the legal status of over 1.8 million migrants who benefited from various temporary humanitarian parole programs, initially introduced during the Biden administration. According to a Trump official and a source familiar with the discussions, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the revocation could impact approximately 530,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela as soon as this month.
The move to end parole for these nationalities was first reported by CBS News recently. Additionally, the administration plans to revoke permits for 240,000 Ukrainians who entered the U.S. since the onset of the war in their country. This could lead to a swift deportation process, marking a significant shift from the welcoming stance of President Joe Biden. Sources confirmed to Reuters that plans to cut back on protections were underway even before Trump's recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Migrants losing their status might face expedited removal proceedings.
An internal email from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seen by Reuters indicates that those who entered illegally may be subject to "expedited removal" up to two years after entry. However, migrants who entered through official ports of entry without formal "admission," such as those on parole, face no time limit for their swift deportation.
On January 20, Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "terminate all categorical parole programs."
Background on Biden's Humanitarian Programs
Designed to offer temporary legal pathways and discourage illegal immigration, Biden's humanitarian programs assisted not only Ukrainians and migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela but also over 70,000 Afghans fleeing Taliban control. Approximately a million migrants planned their entry into the U.S. through legal border crossings using the CBP One app. Others accessed specialized programs like family reunification parole for Latin America and the Caribbean. However, Trump halted this initiative, citing misuse of parole authority by the previous administration to admit migrants and allow work permit applications.
Under the new measure, Trump's administration would revoke the parole status for those who entered the U.S. under the CHNV policy, placing them in deportation proceedings unless they seek or secure another immigration benefit, such as asylum, a green card, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Potential Protection Pathways for Migrants
Some CHNV beneficiaries might find protection through other programs. For instance, Cubans have a unique path to permanent residency via the Cuban Adjustment Act, a Cold War-era provision. Any migrant may apply for asylum, but this requires proving they are escaping persecution based on political, religious, or other grounds—a high legal standard. Fear persists among humanitarian parole recipients, as evidenced by concerns from Haitians and Venezuelans currently under TPS, which provides temporary deportation protection and work permits. Nevertheless, Trump's administration criticizes TPS as a policy subject to misuse.
Recently, Trump rescinded a TPS extension for Venezuelans, potentially leaving many migrants from the country unprotected. The administration has made immigration policy a cornerstone of its governance strategy, tightening measures against both illegal and legal immigration. The asylum system has seen restrictions, and ICE agents have been granted increased authority to act against undocumented migrants. Additionally, resources from the Pentagon have been utilized for border control, including military aircraft for deportations.
A Reversal of Humanitarian Policies
Dismantling Biden's immigration policy has been a priority for Trump. Alongside the CHNV program, other initiatives have been suspended, such as the CBP One app that allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule asylum appointments at official border entry points. Also discontinued are processes allowing admission of Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion, Afghans escaping Taliban rule, and Central American children seeking to reunite with family in the U.S. Like the CHNV program, these initiatives relied on immigration parole authority, which is now under review for potential elimination by Trump's administration.
This move signifies a drastic shift in U.S. immigration policy, potentially impacting thousands of migrants who arrived hoping to build a better life under the humanitarian policies of the previous government.
Questions About Humanitarian Parole Revocation
Who will be affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole?
The revocation could impact over 1.8 million migrants, including 530,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and 240,000 Ukrainians who entered the U.S. since the war began in their country.
What legal pathways remain for affected migrants?
Migrants might seek protection through alternative programs, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act for Cubans, or apply for asylum if they can prove persecution. Additionally, some are under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
What are the implications of ending the humanitarian parole programs?
Ending these programs marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, potentially leading to expedited deportations and affecting thousands of migrants who sought opportunities under previous humanitarian policies.