President Trump Ends Humanitarian Parole for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela
On Monday, the Biden administration officially ended the humanitarian parole program that had allowed Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Haitians to enter the United States under specific conditions. This development stems from a recent executive order titled “Securing Our Borders,” which outlines stricter immigration measures.
The CHNV Program: An Overview
The CHNV parole program, launched on January 5, 2023, under the Biden administration, provided an opportunity for up to 30,000 individuals per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally enter the U.S. for up to two years. Participants required a U.S.-based supporter, valid travel documents, and had to undergo security screenings.
Modeled after similar initiatives for Ukrainians and Venezuelans, the program aimed to offer a legal pathway for migrants while deterring unlawful border crossings. By December 2024, more than 531,000 individuals had entered the U.S. through this program, according to Customs and Border Protection data.
Immediate Impact of the New Executive Order
The new order halts new applications for the CHNV program, effectively ending its operation. However, individuals already in the U.S. under the program will maintain their parole status until their two-year period expires. After that, they may lose their legal status and face potential deportation unless they secure an alternative form of immigration relief.
Elizabeth Jacobs from the Center for Immigration Studies highlighted that current beneficiaries would need to act promptly to avoid falling out of status. Similarly, immigration law professor Cori Alonso-Yoder emphasized the importance of exploring other legal pathways for those affected.
Legal Options for CHNV Beneficiaries
Although the CHNV program does not offer a direct path to U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, beneficiaries may be able to adjust their status through other legal avenues. These include:
- The Cuban Adjustment Act: Eligible Cubans can apply for permanent residency after one year in the U.S.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Venezuelans and Haitians may qualify for TPS, granting deportation relief and work authorization.
- Asylum: Individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela may apply for asylum if they can prove a credible fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.
Doris Meissner of the Migration Policy Institute warned that once parole periods end, beneficiaries who have not adjusted their status will lose work authorization and risk deportation. Advocacy groups like Welcome.US have called attention to the impact on Americans who have used programs like CHNV to sponsor refugees and offer them a safe haven.
What’s Next?
The termination of the CHNV program underscores the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policies. While it brings uncertainty for thousands of migrants, those affected are urged to explore alternative legal options and consult with immigration experts to navigate their next steps. For current beneficiaries, securing a more permanent status before their parole period expires is crucial to avoid falling into unauthorized status.