The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday through Federal Register notice 2026-21684 its plan to remove references to certain discontinued parole programs from Form I-131. This includes eliminating mentions of the CHNV and Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) programs.
This notice, tagged with control number OMB 1615-0013, is part of an administrative procedure under the Paperwork Reduction Act. It is not a new immigration policy nor does it signify a new termination of status.
Essentially, it formally acknowledges that these programs have already ceased to exist, and their options are no longer applicable in the current form.
For Cubans who arrived in the U.S. under CHNV or CFRP, the official notice confirms that there are no group parole mechanisms available anymore.
Those with expired or revoked parole who have not yet regularized their immigration status should urgently explore available alternatives.
Remaining Options for Cubans with Expired Parole
The primary and most reliable avenue is the Cuban Adjustment Act. Cubans who have been physically present in the U.S. for over a year since their parole entry are eligible to apply for permanent residency using Form I-485.
Even if the parole has expired, the historical fact of having been admitted under it remains valid.
Another option is to apply for individual re-parole using Form I-131, assessed on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This is neither automatic nor guaranteed, and as of October 16, 2026, the fee is $1,050, charged when USCIS grants the parole, not at application submission. These fees, set by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", do not allow for waivers.
Those who haven't completed the required year of presence should consider seeking asylum—which must generally be requested within the first year of entry, barring exceptions—or other defenses in immigration court.
Former parolees who entered through official ports of entry retain protection against expedited deportation.
Background: Termination of Programs
The CHNV program was officially ended by the Department of Homeland Security on March 25, 2025, with individual paroles terminating on April 24 of that year. The Supreme Court supported this decision on May 30, 2025. The underlying litigation, Doe v. Noem, remains active, with a partial summary judgment request made in June 2026 still pending a court decision.
The CFRP, established in 2007 to allow Cuban relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to travel while awaiting visa availability, was terminated on December 15, 2025. A federal court order in Massachusetts issued in January 2026 blocked the early termination of already granted paroles and their employment authorizations; this order was still effective in October 2026.
In total, an estimated 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela entered the U.S. under the CHNV before its closure.
The public comment period for the I-131 review is open until December 22 on Regulations.gov. Due to the complexity of the available options, consulting with an immigration attorney is strongly advised before making any decisions.
Cuban Immigration Status FAQs
What does the removal of parole program references from Form I-131 mean?
It means that USCIS is formally acknowledging the termination of certain parole programs and their options are no longer available on the form.
What options are available for Cubans with expired parole?
Cubans with expired parole can apply for permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act or seek individual re-parole for urgent humanitarian reasons. Asylum or other court defenses may also be considered.
Is there protection against deportation for former parolees?
Yes, those who entered through official ports of entry retain protection against expedited deportation.