More than 500,000 migrants could lose their legal status after President Joe Biden’s administration announced last Friday that the humanitarian parole program will not be renewed. Refugees from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua must now find alternatives to remain in the U.S. or face deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security explains that the humanitarian parole program offers temporary legal status, allowing migrants to apply through a U.S. sponsor. This lets them travel on commercial flights and obtain a work permit. The initiative was first introduced for Venezuelans in 2022 and extended to other countries in 2023 to reduce illegal crossings at the border.
“I applied late in 2022 and got approved in March 2023. As a beneficiary, I can opt for a work permit and work legally,” said Andres Albino, a Venezuelan migrant. “So far, I have reached my expectations. Here, we have the possibility to dream, reach higher goals, study, buy a house, etc.”
Arely Rico, a paralegal with over 12 years of experience in immigration law, explained the options available to those affected by the program’s termination.
“Some Venezuelans and Haitians can apply for TPS [Temporary Protected Status], and Cubans can explore the Cuban Adjustment Act,” she said.
While all program beneficiaries will need to find legal alternatives to avoid deportation, some nationalities face greater challenges.
“For Nicaraguans, the situation is more complicated,” said Rico. “They can try to get an employment visa, but many employers are hesitant to go through the process. Another option is a student visa, like the F1. Asylum is a last resort, but it’s not easy to get because you have to prove persecution in your country, and the process can take years.”
Last Friday, House Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee criticized President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on social media platform X. They claimed the program was fraudulent and suggested only a small number of migrants would face deportation because other legal options are available.
Despite the uncertainty, some still hold out hope.
“This program is a relief for people who want to immigrate, legally because no one wants to leave their country unless it’s the only option to move forward,” said Albino. “Since I know they won’t renew it, we are left in full uncertainty.”
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that while new applicants will still be accepted under the humanitarian parole program, extensions will not be granted to current beneficiaries. Alongside TPS and DACA, these initiatives provide temporary legal status to more than 3 million immigrants in the U.S.