Reports have surfaced from Miami law firms about a possible scam involving the reapplication process for revoked work permits, a situation arising after the abrupt termination of the humanitarian parole program. This development places approximately 530,000 immigrants at risk of deportation. Allegedly, a postal worker has stated that she has turned away many individuals attempting to return their work permit cards due to concerns about the legitimacy of the return address.
"My paralegal was quite alarmed when the postal worker mentioned she wasn't forwarding any of these work permits because the address is suspicious," a source told CiberCuba. The postal worker has reportedly advised individuals to hold onto their work permits and consult an attorney.
In response to these alerts, Immigration Attorney Liudmila Marcelo recommends exercising caution and advises waiting about fifteen days before returning any work permit cards. She suggests contacting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the correct address for returning the cards.
"We've received reports of letters requesting the return of work permits, though none of my clients have received one yet. I would like to review such a letter to understand its content. For now, I've only seen online posts but haven't read an actual letter," Marcelo remarked.
She continued, "Consider this: you paid $520 for that work permit, and now you’re expected to send it back. I find that unreasonable. I haven't seen the letter, so I don't know if it includes prepaid postage. Imagine having to pay for mailing it back after already spending $520. Of course, if USCIS instructs you to return it, I would comply, but I'd wait first."
Marcelo advises a cautious approach: "I paid for that work permit, and although I can't use it because it's been revoked, I’m being asked to pay again to return it. If it's unavoidable, I'll return it, but I'm not rushing. Let's see what unfolds in the coming days, especially with the judge's ruling pending. I'll send it back, but not immediately."
On June 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unexpectedly revoked the humanitarian parole CHNV, which resulted in the cancellation of work permits for over 530,000 individuals, including many Cubans. Earlier, on March 28, 2025, three pro-immigrant organizations —CHIRLA, UndocuBlack, and CASA— filed a federal lawsuit in the District Court of Washington D.C. They argue that the mass revocation violates due process and call for case-by-case assessments before any expedited deportations.
The legal battle continues, with hearings in lower courts. "The legality of the mass revocation hasn't been determined yet," explained Attorney Marcelo. "What was decided was the government's authority to suspend the program without waiting for the lawsuit's outcome, leading to its cancellation. Just this Wednesday, these organizations filed motions urging the judge to expedite the ruling due to the severe impact on beneficiaries caused by the cancellation of the parole and work permits."
Key Questions About Revoked Work Permits
What should immigrants do if they receive a letter to return their work permit?
Immigrants are advised to wait approximately fifteen days before taking any action. It is recommended to contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify the legitimacy of the request and ensure the correct return address is used.
Why was the humanitarian parole CHNV program revoked?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked the humanitarian parole CHNV program due to a decision allowing the government to suspend it without waiting for a final ruling in ongoing litigation, which challenges the legality of the mass revocation.
What legal actions are being taken against the revocation?
Three pro-immigrant organizations have filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the mass revocation violates due process. They demand individual case assessments before proceeding with expedited deportations.