The Trump administration has announced that it will remove legal protections for around 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These people had arrived in the U.S. since October 2022 under a special program that allowed them to live and work for two years.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that they will lose their legal status on April 24, which is 30 days after the official notice is published. This decision cancels the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) parole program introduced by former President Joe Biden. The program provided temporary work permits and protection from deportation.
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What Is the Humanitarian Parole Program?
The humanitarian parole program allows people from war-torn or unstable countries to stay in the U.S. temporarily. Under Biden, the CHNV program allowed up to 30,000 people per month from these four countries to come legally and work. However, the Trump administration is now ending this program, claiming it was being misused.
Migrants who lose their legal status must leave the U.S. before their parole expires unless they have another legal way to stay. If they remain, they could face deportation.
Legal Challenges and Impact
Many groups, including the Justice Action Center, have challenged this decision in court. Karen Tumlin, the center’s founder, called the move “reckless and cruel,” saying it will cause unnecessary hardship for many families.
This policy change also raises concerns about how many of these migrants have found other legal ways to stay in the U.S. It remains unclear how many will face deportation.
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Impact on Ukrainians and Migrant Children
Trump has also suggested ending parole protection for 240,000 Ukrainians who fled to the U.S. after the Russian invasion. If implemented, this would reverse the welcoming stance taken by Biden’s administration.
Additionally, the Trump administration has stopped funding legal assistance for migrant children who enter the U.S. alone. This has raised concerns that children will have to navigate the complex immigration system without legal help.
These immigration policy changes mark a significant shift in the U.S. government’s approach to handling migrants and asylum seekers.
