The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday it will revoke temporary legal protections for approximately 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, placing them at risk of deportation starting April 24. The decision affects individuals who arrived in the United States under the humanitarian parole program since October 2022, which allowed migrants from those four nations to live and work in the U.S. for up to two years under the condition of having financial sponsors. The program was introduced during the Biden administration to create a legal pathway for migration from countries facing political and economic instability. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that parolees who no longer have a lawful basis to stay in the U.S. "must depart" before their parole termination date. She emphasized that "parole is inherently temporary" and does not constitute a pathway to permanent legal status. This policy shift follows a broader effort by President Donald Trump's administration to limit both legal and illegal immigration. The move also comes amid Trump's renewed campaign promises to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and dismantle previously established legal migration avenues. Legal challenges have already been filed in federal courts. Karen Tumlin, founder of the Justice Action Center, condemned the decision as "reckless, cruel and counterproductive," warning that it will lead to "needless chaos and heartbreak" for families across the country. Previously, the Biden administration had permitted up to 30,000 individuals per month from the four countries to enter the U.S. under CHNV, while negotiating with Mexico to accept returns of a similar number. However, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have largely refused U.S. deportation flights, complicating enforcement. Haiti, though more cooperative, continues to grapple with political instability and violence, hampering repatriation efforts. The revocation of CHNV benefits is expected to have widespread humanitarian and legal implications, especially as DHS had already halted processing of asylum, visa, and status adjustment applications for affected individuals. — Agencies
