In a major shift in immigration policy, the Trump administration has announced it will revoke legal protectionsfor over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These individuals had previously been granted temporary status under the Biden-era parole program known as CHNV, which allowed them to live and work legally in the United States for a period of up to two years.
Parole Status Set to End by Late April
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that beginning March 25, the 30-day countdown will begin for migrants under the CHNV program. This means that by April 24 of this year, approximately 532,000 individuals will lose their legal status unless they have applied for another form of immigration relief. If they remain in the United States beyond this grace period, they risk arrest and removal through deportation proceedings.
Who is Affected and What Comes Next
This decision impacts nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, who entered the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole. While the Biden administration had initially opened the door for these individuals to seek refuge, the new directive urges them to either depart voluntarily or face enforcement actions. Those who have not applied for asylum, a green card, or another lawful immigration status will be prioritized for deportation, even before the 30-day period ends.
Increased Risk of Expedited Removal
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that ending the parole status simplifies the process of placing migrants into expedited removal, a fast-tracked deportation procedure that bypasses the standard immigration court process using the CBP mobile application, signaling a broader effort to streamline enforcement efforts.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns Raised
The move has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates and legal experts. The founder of the Justice Action Center in California announced plans to challenge the policy in court, stating that many of the affected migrants followed all the rules laid out by the government. Sponsors in the U.S. paid fees, completed paperwork, and helped migrants enter through official channels—only to now face the threat of separation and deportation.
Some Hope Through TPS
While the Biden administration made clear last October that it would not extend parole protections under the CHNV program, it did encourage recipients to apply for other immigration benefits. In a separate effort, the administration recently granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to certain nationals of Haiti and Venezuela due to ongoing armed conflict and environmental crises in those countries. However, TPS is not automatically granted and requires individual applications and eligibility screening.
Uncertain Future for Other Migrant Groups
Although this policy shift currently targets migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean, questions remain about whether similar actions will be taken against other groups. For instance, no final decision has been made regarding Ukrainians who entered the U.S. under similar parole programs, leaving many in limbo.
Conclusion
The revocation of parole protections marks a significant turning point for hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the United States through lawful, government-sanctioned channels. As deadlines loom and legal battles begin to form, the future remains uncertain for many who came seeking safety and a better life. Berardi Immigration is here to help with all of your immigration needs. Call our office today to speak to an experienced immigration attorney.
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