Trump Ends Humanitarian Parole for Venezuelans, Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the humanitarian parole program for citizens of Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti. This program, implemented by the previous administration, allowed people from these countries to stay legally in the United States for up to two years. With the new measure, questions arise about the future of current beneficiaries and those who were awaiting approval.
You may also like: “U.S. Court of Appeals Rejects Biden’s DACA Program”
What Is Humanitarian Parole and How Many Migrants Benefited?
The humanitarian parole program allowed citizens of these four countries to live and work legally in the U.S., provided they had a financial sponsor in the country. According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as of December 2024, approximately 531,690 people arrived under this program.
The numbers by nationality were as follows:
- 110,970 Cubans
- 213,150 Haitians
- 96,270 Nicaraguans
- 120,760 Venezuelans
Immediate Impact of the Parole Termination
The executive order “Securing Our Borders” states that the parole suspension will take effect immediately, meaning that:
- No new sponsor applications will be accepted.
- No further applications will be processed through the program.
- Current beneficiaries may remain until their two-year period expires.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the measure aims to return parole to its original function of evaluating applications on a case-by-case basis. However, since it is not renewable, those currently in the U.S. under this status will lose their work authorization and become undocumented once their parole period ends.
Legal Alternatives for Those Affected
With the termination of the parole program, beneficiaries may consider other immigration options:
- Cubans: May apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966.
- Venezuelans and Haitians: Are eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which grants work authorization and protection from deportation.
- Nicaraguans and other nationalities: Can apply for asylum but must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution in their home countries.
Uncertainty for Pending Applicants
One of the most uncertain aspects is the fate of those who were awaiting approval. Migrant aid organizations have expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding whether the administration will continue processing pending applications.
Additionally, the elimination of the CBP One application, which allowed migrants to schedule appointments at border ports, could further complicate the situation for those seeking legal entry into the U.S.
Conclusion
The termination of the humanitarian parole program marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, leaving thousands of migrants uncertain about their future. As the new administration enforces its policies, it is crucial for those affected to seek legal counsel to understand their options and rights within the U.S. immigration system.
For more information on these topics, visit Paralegal Clases’ social media pages and join our live sessions every Wednesday.
Instagram: @Paralegalclases
Facebook: Instituto Paralegal de las Américas
Youtube: Instituto Paralegal
Tiktok: @Paralegalnews
