WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration is officially ending legal status for more than 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, according to a notice posted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The move signals another major shift in immigration policy as the administration continues to roll back Biden-era programs.
The DHS announcement states that the administration is rescinding “categorical parole programs for inadmissible aliens” from the four listed countries, along with their immediate family members. This decision marks the latest in a series of efforts to restrict immigration pathways that were previously expanded under the Biden administration.
Migrants Must Leave by April 24
According to the notice, migrants who had been granted parole under these programs will be required to leave the country by April 24—30 days after the notice is officially published in the Federal Register. The administration had previously hinted at phasing out these programs, with DHS officials stating in January that changes were forthcoming.
“Over the previous two years, DHS has implemented programs through which inadmissible aliens who are citizens or nationals of designated countries, and their immediate family members, could request authorization to travel to the United States in order to be considered for parole into the country,” the notice explained. However, under the new policy, these programs will no longer be available.
Reversing Biden-Era Immigration Policies
A DHS spokesperson stated that the administration views these programs as an overreach by the previous government, arguing that the Biden administration “abused the humanitarian parole program to indiscriminately allow 1.5 million migrants to enter our country.” The statement further emphasized that the Trump administration took immediate action to reverse these policies on its first day in office.
Under the now-rescinded parole programs, migrants could temporarily stay in the U.S. for up to two years, provided they applied online, passed background checks, and had a financial sponsor. These programs were designed to provide temporary relief for individuals fleeing political and economic crises in their home countries.
Implications and Response
The policy shift is expected to have significant repercussions for affected migrants, many of whom have already built lives in the U.S. Immigration advocates and legal experts have criticized the move, arguing that it could lead to increased instability for individuals facing hardship in their home countries. Meanwhile, supporters of the administration’s decision argue that it is a necessary step to curb unauthorized immigration and restore stricter border enforcement measures.
With the deadline approaching, migrants under these programs are now left weighing their legal options or preparing to return to their countries of origin. The administration has not indicated any alternative pathways for those affected but maintains that its immigration policies will continue prioritizing border security and lawful entry processes.
As the policy unfolds, legal challenges from immigrant advocacy groups are anticipated, potentially shaping the next chapter in the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policy.
