The Trump administration is set to revoke the legal status of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Latin America and Haiti who were granted entry into the U.S. through a sponsorship process established under the Biden administration. These individuals are being urged to self-deport or face the possibility of arrest and removal by deportation agents.
The cessation of their work permits and deportation protections provided under an immigration authority known as parole is scheduled to take place in late April, 30 days after March 25, according to a federal government notice.
This action will impact immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the U.S. through a Biden administration initiative, referred to as CHNV, aimed at lowering illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border by offering legitimate migration pathways.
Approximately 532,000 migrants participated in this policy, which was suspended shortly after President Trump took office. However, it remains uncertain how many individuals have managed to obtain other legal statuses that would permit them to remain in the country.
CBS News first reported in early February that the Trump administration was preparing to revoke the legal status of those who entered the U.S. under the CHNV program.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that it will pursue the arrest and deportation of individuals affected by this policy change if they do not leave the U.S. within the next 30 days. Officials are encouraging migrants to utilize the repurposed CBP Home smartphone app to organize their self-deportation.
However, DHS has indicated that it still has the authority to target migrants who arrived through this program even before the 30-day period concludes. Those prioritized for arrest will include migrants who have not applied for alternative immigration benefits such as asylum or a green card.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin remarked that the migrants permitted entry into the U.S. under the CHNV process underwent “loose vetting,” asserting that the program undermined American workers.
“The ending of the CHNV parole programs, along with the termination of parole for those who abused it, signifies a return to common-sense policies, a commitment to public safety, and a focus on America First,” McLaughlin stated.
