On Friday, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart declared that efforts are underway to find a pathway for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan exiles who had their humanitarian parole revoked due to political reasons. Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows for the immediate revocation of humanitarian parole for over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti—a decision that could lead to massive deportations—Díaz-Balart vowed to advocate for these individuals, as detailed in a statement released on X.
“Carlos Giménez, María Elvira Salazar, and I are collaborating with the Trump Administration to present the case and secure a permanent solution for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who fled political crises and cannot return to their home countries due to legitimate claims of persecution,” he wrote.
Expressing pride in representing "some of the largest groups of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans," Díaz-Balart affirmed, "We will continue to advocate for them." He attributed the migrants' plight to President Joe Biden's deliberate opening of the border to millions, allowing "countless bad actors to exploit his open-border policies."
Political Advocacy and Legislative Actions
His statement aligns with calls from Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, who sent a letter to Donald Trump urging the use of the executive tool of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which would provide temporary deportation relief to recipients while asylum processes, background checks, and pending immigration applications are completed.
“We support President Trump in enforcing the rule of law at the southern border, which was non-existent over the past four years,” Díaz-Balart emphasized while calling for the protection of political refugees.
Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling
Previously, Salazar argued that granting DED benefits would allow for "proper case-by-case vetting," safeguarding both national security and the U.S.'s moral commitment to those fleeing oppression and violence. Her stance highlights a divergence within her party, which largely hailed the court's decision as a "victory for national security."
Migrants who entered the country under humanitarian parole now face the threat of deportation, despite their legal entry. The termination of the program means they must seek other forms of immigration protection to avoid being sent back.
The CHNV program provided a legal and controlled pathway for entry, offering residency and work permits for two years. Although beneficiaries were admitted under the legal status of "parole," the Republican narrative now labels them as "illegal," even as many, such as Cubans under the Cuban Adjustment Act, have begun the process of regularization.
Understanding the Impact of Policy Changes on Migrants
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allows individuals from certain countries to enter the U.S. legally for a temporary period due to humanitarian reasons, such as fleeing political persecution.
How does the Supreme Court decision affect migrants?
The Supreme Court decision permits the revocation of humanitarian parole, putting over 530,000 migrants at risk of deportation, despite their previous legal entry into the U.S.
What is Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)?
DED is an executive tool that can provide temporary relief from deportation to certain individuals, allowing them to remain in the U.S. while their immigration status is resolved.