A federal appeals court has given the green light to the Trump administration to proceed with its plan to revoke the legal status of over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. These individuals arrived in the United States under the humanitarian parole program (CHNV) launched by President Joe Biden. Announced on Friday, this decision overturns a previous ruling by a Boston federal judge that temporarily blocked deportation efforts.
According to the U.S. Supreme Court, while the law mandates a case-by-case analysis to grant the benefit, it does not impose the same requirement for revocation. This ruling allows the government to collectively cancel the permits issued under the CHNV scheme.
The plaintiffs, consisting of migrants and support organizations, contended that the action was illegal and violated due process by mass-canceling previously granted permits. Nonetheless, the First Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Trump administration, determining that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has the authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to terminate the program.
The court's ruling stated that the plaintiffs failed to convincingly demonstrate that the decision exceeded the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security. The judges noted that the department provided reasonable explanations, including the argument that the programs did not offer significant public benefits, reduce irregular migration, or meet border security objectives.
The Temporary Nature of Humanitarian Parole
The judges emphasized that parole was always intended to be temporary, lasting no more than two years, with explicit warnings that it could be revoked at any time. Thus, they deemed the expectation of long-term residency as "unreasonable."
Established in 2023 under the Biden administration, the CHNV program enabled controlled and legal entry for migrants from these four nations, granting temporary residency and work authorization. Now, thousands of beneficiaries face the threat of losing their legal status and becoming subject to deportation proceedings.
Impact and Reactions from Immigrant Advocates
This decision has raised alarm among immigrant advocates who warn of the devastating impact on families already settled in the United States. Human rights organizations and states acting as "amici curiae" (friends of the court) cautioned about the severe humanitarian consequences, leaving thousands of families vulnerable and on the brink of separation.
In contrast, the Trump administration hailed the decision as a triumph for its immigration agenda, asserting that it restores the "strict" and limited use of parole, applicable only on a case-by-case basis for urgent public benefit reasons.
The ruling could set a precedent for rescinding other existing humanitarian parole programs, potentially affecting citizens from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Central American countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humanitarian Parole Revocation
What is humanitarian parole?
Humanitarian parole is a temporary program allowing individuals to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, typically lasting up to two years.
Who is affected by the recent court ruling?
The ruling impacts over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua who received legal status under the CHNV program.
What are the potential consequences of the ruling?
The decision could lead to the revocation of legal status for many migrants, placing them at risk of deportation and family separation.