Immigration Lawyers Shed Light on Work Permit Revocations Under CBP One

The U.S. government has commenced the cancellation of work permits issued through the CBP One program, an action that has alarmed thousands of migrants, particularly Cubans, who relied on this legal avenue to settle in the country. Immigration lawyer Liudmila A. Marcelo explained in an interview with Telemundo 51 that work permits are only valid as long as the beneficiary maintains a current immigration status, specifically the parole granted upon crossing the border via the CBP One program.

"Once that status disappears, the work permit loses its legal basis. There is no foundation for it to remain active," Marcelo stated. She emphasized that working without authorization can have negative implications for the affected individuals' future immigration prospects. "Now, that detail is significant. It can be a disadvantage when applying for status adjustment or asylum," she noted.

Meanwhile, attorney Jesús Novo, in a conversation with Mario J. Pentón, agreed that the legal situation of CBP One beneficiaries has become exceedingly fragile, but they should not lose hope. "The revocation has been widespread, affecting all paroles that entered through CBP One. If your employer uses E-Verify, they must check your status, and if it is revoked, you have to leave. You cannot continue working. You have until May 14 to provide evidence of maintaining parole or having an alternative work permit," Novo explained.

Those who fail to renew their immigration status face the immediate risk of losing their work permits and being declared in deportation proceedings. Various attorneys highlight that each case is unique, which is why those involved must urgently assess their situations.

Regarding the possibility for Cubans under CBP One to avail themselves of the Cuban Adjustment Act, Novo pointed out that even without a work permit, they can still benefit from this legal provision.

Attorney Rosaly Chaviano, in an interview with AmericaTeVe Miami, noted that the government is showing desperation to expel immigrants, mentioning how the Trump Administration is offering $1,000 to those who self-deport. "It appears they are not achieving deportations as they expected, and are resorting to other methods, like offering incentives. (...) Those who leave the country and fail to appear in court are likely to receive an order of deportation in absentia, which has severe future consequences," Chaviano warned. This could mean being barred from re-entering the United States for 10 years or more.

The work permits will be revoked on May 14, with the parole ending seven days later. U.S. authorities recommend self-deportation through CBP Home, but Chaviano urges individuals to consult with a professional before making such a significant decision. "If there’s another way to obtain a work permit, start pursuing it," she advised.

Many immigrants are unaware that their parole has expired or been revoked, as notifications sometimes arrive via email and some individuals do not monitor their messages. Being uninformed does not exempt them from legal consequences.

Most affected migrants are Cubans, though there are also Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans who entered the U.S. through the CBP One program. This application was established during Joe Biden's administration to facilitate legal entry through the southern border using scheduled appointments. Immigrants received parole, work permits, and began integrating into society. However, in early 2025, the Donald Trump administration initiated the dismantling of the program and ordered the revocation of benefits.

Those affected are receiving emails from the Department of Homeland Security, instructing them to voluntarily leave the country through the CBP Home platform, or face penalties and legal proceedings. Experts agree that these cases require immediate legal advice to avoid any mistakes that could hinder future regularization opportunities.