On Friday, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reiterated her request to the Trump administration, urging them not to deport over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who were legally admitted under the humanitarian parole program. This program was recently nullified by the Supreme Court.
In a letter addressed to the president, Salazar called for the use of the executive tool Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which would provide temporary deportation relief to these individuals while they complete asylum processes, background checks, and pending immigration applications. "These migrants entered the United States legally, trusting in the empty promises of the Biden administration. We cannot overlook the human cost," wrote the Florida representative on X.
She emphasized, "I urge the administration to exercise its executive authority and grant DED to prevent them from being returned to violence and repression." The DED mechanism offers temporary protection from deportation for citizens from countries designated by the president, without conferring permanent legal status. It also allows for work permit applications during its validity.
Salazar, who had previously made the same request to President Trump, argued that granting this benefit would enable "proper case-by-case vetting," safeguarding both national security and the U.S.'s moral commitment to those fleeing oppression and violence. "We must uphold the promises made to these individuals with compassion and responsibility," she stated. "Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are under communist dictatorships; Haiti is overwhelmed by gang violence. These situations warrant special consideration," she added.
Salazar's request comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision, which allowed the Trump administration to rescind humanitarian parole without individual assessments, reversing a key measure of Joe Biden's administration. Established in 2022, the CHNV program facilitated legal entry for citizens from these four countries with sponsors guaranteeing their economic support. Since its inception, more than half a million people have benefited, with many, especially Cubans under the Cuban Adjustment Act, already initiating residency procedures.
However, the program's annulment leaves tens of thousands in a migratory limbo, as they do not yet qualify for other protections. Salazar's stance marks a divergence within her party, which has largely celebrated the court's decision as a "victory for national security." The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled parole recipients as "illegal," despite their official entry.
The congresswoman's message also comes amid growing criticism within the Cuban-American community in Miami. Salazar was featured on a billboard labeling South Florida politicians as "traitors" for not defending migrants against the radical shift in immigration policies.
FAQs on Humanitarian Parole and DED
What is Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)?
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a temporary immigration status granted by the president, which provides protection from deportation for nationals of designated countries. It does not confer permanent legal status but allows for work permits during its duration.
Why was the humanitarian parole program annulled?
The humanitarian parole program was annulled following a Supreme Court decision that permitted the Trump administration to revoke it without individual assessments, reversing a measure from the Biden administration.
How does the Cuban Adjustment Act relate to the current situation?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans who meet certain criteria to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. after one year of being admitted. Many Cubans under the humanitarian parole program had started this process before the program's annulment.