Trump Pauses Parole Extension for Those Protected Under Biden: Administration Freezes Immigration Applications

Overview of Biden Administration

The Trump administration has put on hold all immigration applications for specific Biden-era programs, including parole programs for thousands of migrants from Ukraine and Latin America. The freeze is due to fraud and security concerns, with officials citing issues such as fraudulent applications and security breaches. Officials will strengthen vetting before reopening the programs.

The decision, made on February 19, 2025, leaves many migrants in limbo not knowing their future in the U.S. Parole programs don’t lead to permanent residency but provide temporary protection from deportation and allow recipients to apply for work permits.

🚨 Key Points:

• The pause affects three Biden administration programs (U4U, CHNV, FRP) created during Biden’s presidency.
• All pending applications are on hold until fraud investigations are done.
• Some migrants may now be at risk of deportation if their parole status expires.
• The decision follows investigations into fraud in sponsorship applications.

Which Programs Are Affected?

The freeze impacts three Biden administration programs designed to facilitate legal entry for migrants from various countries facing crises:

1. Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)

• Purpose: Allowed Ukrainian refugees to enter the U.S. after the Russian invasion, providing temporary refuge to those escaping the conflict.
• Impact: 240,000 Ukrainians entered the U.S. under this program before the pause.
• Requirements: Applicants needed an American sponsor who provided financial and housing support.

2. CHNV Parole Program (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela)

• Purpose:
• Allowed migrants from these four countries to legally enter the U.S. if they had an American sponsor.
• Designed to reduce illegal border crossings by providing a legal pathway.
• To help address labor shortages, especially in industries struggling to find workers.
• The CHNV parole** program** was created under the Biden administration by former President Joe Biden to offer temporary refuge to migrants from four Latin American nations facing economic crises, political instability and violence.
• The program has allowed more than 530,000 migrants to legally enter the U.S. and stay for up to two years under humanitarian protection
• More About CHNV Parole:USCIS Parole Programs

3. Family Reunification Parole (FRP) Programs

• Purpose: Allowed certain migrants from Colombia, Ecuador, Central America, Haiti and Cuba to stay in the U.S. while waiting for a family-based green card.
• Impact: Families could reunite before their legal status was finalized.

Why Did the Trump Administration Put a Hold on These Programs? Fraud and Security Concerns

1. Fraud

A FAIR report found widespread fraud and security concerns in parole applications:

• Fake Social Security numbers and addresses were used.
• Sponsors submitted false information on I-34A forms.
• 19,000 applications used only 100 addresses, some of which were warehouses and storage units.
• Applications were submitted for deceased individuals.
• Read the full FAIR report:FAIR Report on Immigration Fraud

2. National Security

Officials are concerned that vetting was inadequate and allowed criminals or security threats to enter the U.S., raising national security concerns and homeland security issues.

Some migrants may overstay their parole or have no proper documentation.

The Biden administration granted parole 105 times more than previous admins, so there’s concern about oversight.

3. Immigration Policy Shift

• The Trump administration is rolling back Biden-era immigration policies to prioritize border security, reflecting a shift in immigration law.
• Other moves include:
• Expanding detention centers for undocumented migrants.
• Increasing deportation efforts.
• Reassessing the refugee admissions process.
• White House statement on the pause:Official Trump Administration Policy

What Happens to Migrants Affected by This Pause?

🔴 Paused Applications:

• No new applications or pending cases will be processed until further notice.

⚠️ Potential Deportations:

• Migrants whose parole status expires may face removal proceedings.
• The administration has drafted plans to revoke parole status for CHNV migrants.

🛑 Work Permits & Legal Status at Risk:

• Migrants with temporary work permits may not have them renewed.
• Without parole protections, many will lose their right to be in the U.S. and face increased challenges in obtaining permanent legal status. What Will Happen to Migrants Affected by This Pause?

How Will This Impact Communities Nationwide?

🛑 For CHNV Migrants:

• Legal status will be revoked, putting them at risk of detention and deportation.
• Many will lose work permits, making it harder to support themselves and their families.
• Those seeking green cards, asylum, or temporary protected status (TPS) TPS may face delays or denials.

⚠️ For American Sponsors:

• More than 1.5 million Americans applied to sponsor CHNV beneficiaries under Biden’s program.
• Sponsors provide financial support, housing, and employment opportunities—but now face uncertainty over their commitments.

💰 For the U.S. Economy:

• The CHNV parole program has helped fill crucial labor gaps in industries like agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
• Businesses that rely on CHNV workers may struggle with staff shortages and economic losses.

What Legal Challenges Are Expected?

Organizations like the Justice Action Center (JAC) will sue in court to challenge the revocation.

Biden vs. Trump: A Shift in Immigration Policy

What Legal Experts Are Saying

Karen Tumlin, JAC Founder & Director, said:

“This is cruel and reckless. It will break up families, disrupt communities and cause chaos for thousands of people who came here legally. We will fight this in court.”

This moves with other immigration policy changes under the current administration:

• Detention Centers: Plans to increase capacity at Guantanamo Migrant Operations Center to 30,000 migrants.
• Refugee Admissions: Temporary suspension to review vetting processes.

What’s Next?

The pause could last for months or years as officials review applications and reform policies. The decision will likely face legal challenges from immigration advocates and opposition from Democratic lawmakers.

⚖️ Legal Challenges Expected

• Immigration groups will sue.
• Democratic lawmakers say the pause violates humanitarian protections.
• Republican lawmakers support the move, citing border security.

⚖️ Possible Outcomes:

• Federal courts may block the policy temporarily.
• If the policy stands, thousands of CHNV parolees may be forced to leave the U.S..All pending benefit requests for U4U, CHNV and FRP have been placed on an administrative pause. This means USCIS has stopped processing these applications until further notice.

FAQs

1. What programs have been suspended?

The suspension affects the following programs:

·         Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): A program established to provide a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to come to the United States temporarily under humanitarian parole.

·         Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) Process: This initiative allowed nationals from these countries to enter the U.S. under humanitarian parole, provided they had U.S.-based financial sponsors.

·         Family Reunification Parole (FRP) Process: Designed to permit certain eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for parole for their family members abroad, allowing them to enter the U.S. while awaiting immigrant visas.

2. Why were these programs suspended?

The Trump administration has cited concerns over potential fraud, public safety, and national security as reasons for the suspension. An internal memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicated the need for additional vetting to identify any issues related to these concerns.

3. How does this suspension affect pending applications?

All pending benefit requests under the U4U, CHNV, and FRP programs have been placed on an “administrative pause.” This means that USCIS has temporarily halted processing these applications until further notice.

4. Are new applications being accepted during the pause?

No, USCIS is not accepting new applications for these programs. For example, as of January 28, 2025, USCIS is not accepting new Form I-134A for U4U program.

5. How long is the suspension?

Indefinite. It will remain in place until the administration completes additional vetting.

6. What happens to individuals who have already been granted parole under these programs?

Individuals who have already been granted parole under these programs retain their current status. But the pause may impact their ability to adjust status as processing of related applications has been paused.

7. Will beneficiaries of these programs be deported?

The pause stops the processing of certain immigration benefits but does not automatically put beneficiaries in removal proceedings. However, without the ability to adjust status or extend parole, individuals may face legal uncertainty in the future.

8. Can beneficiaries apply for other forms of immigration relief?

Beneficiaries may explore other immigration relief options for which they are eligible, such as TPS or asylum. Consult with an immigration attorney to see what options are available.

9. How does this pause affect employment authorization?

EADs that have already been issued remain valid until their expiration date. But processing of new or renewal EAD applications under these programs is paused.

Stay informed through USCIS communications and consult with legal counsel to understand your options and any impact on your immigration status.

11. Are there any exceptions?

None announced. All applications affected.

12. How does this affect family members awaiting reunification?

Family members abroad who were in process of reuniting with relatives in U.S. under FRP program will experience delays.

13. What about individuals from countries experiencing conflicts or crises?

Individuals from countries like Ukraine who were beneficiaries of U4U program may face more uncertainty and limited legal entry into U.S. during suspension.

14. How are community organizations reacting?

Many immigrant advocacy groups and legal aid organizations are providing guidance and support to affected individuals.

15. Where can I seek legal help?

Affected individuals should consult with qualified immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. AILA can provide referrals to attorneys.

16. How will this affect other immigration processing?

While this suspension is specific to certain parole programs, it may impact overall USCIS processing times due to resource reallocation.

17. Are there any legislative action?

None announced. Stakeholders should monitor official channels for updates.

18. How can I stay updated?

Check USCIS website and reputable news sources. Engage with community organizations for support and info.

19. What are the long-term implications for U.S. immigration policy?

This suspension may be a sign of more restrictive immigration policies to come and impact future programs and immigration benefits.

Conclusion

Trump administration’s immigration freeze is a big deal. While they claim fraud prevention and security, opponents say it will cause family separations and uncertainty for thousands of migrants.

Resources for Affected Individuals

• USCIS Immigration Updates
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• National Immigrant Justice Center
• White House Immigration Policy Statements
• USCIS Official Updates: USCIS Newsroom
• Legal Aid Organizations: American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Community Support Groups: National Immigrant Justice Center

📄 Read more about these programs: USCIS Parole Programs

📢 Trump Administration’s Immigration Policy