Federal Action Threatens Mass Deportation and Ends Work Authorization for Over Half-a-Million People
In a sweeping and unprecedented move on March 22, 2025, the Trump administration has announced the termination of legal protections for more than 530,000 migrants who were admitted to the United States under the CHNV humanitarian parole program, which applied to individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
This revocation marks the largest rollback of humanitarian parole in U.S. history, and it comes with no opportunity for public input, no transition period, and no guaranteed protections for those affected.
What Was the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program?
The CHNV parole process was a legal framework launched by the Biden administration as part of a broader effort to create safe, orderly, and legal alternatives to dangerous border crossings.
Introduced in late 2022 and expanded in early 2023, the CHNV program was designed to create a safe and lawful pathway for individuals fleeing:
- Political persecution
- Economic collapse
- Gang violence and insecurity
- State repression and authoritarian regimes
The significant impact of recent policy changes on the CHNV humanitarian parole recipients threatens to create chaos and heartache for many families and communities.
Program Overview:
- Launched: October 2022 for Venezuelans
- Expanded: January 2023 to Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans
- Admitted migrants with U.S. sponsors under humanitarian parole
- Allowed entry by air travel, avoiding land border crossings
- Provided 2-year work permits and deportation protections
By early 2025, approximately 532,000 migrants had entered the U.S. legally under CHNV sponsorship.
Total beneficiaries admitted under CHNV by 2025:
|
Country |
Estimated Beneficiaries |
| Venezuela | 180,000+ |
| Haiti | 140,000+ |
| Cuba | 120,000+ |
| Nicaragua | 90,000+ |
| Total | 530,000+ |
Official policy overview: USCIS – CHNV Parole Program
What Changed? Summary of the New Federal Action
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an “unpublished” Federal Register Notice (FRN) on March 22, with the final, enforceable version set to publish March 25. That publication starts a 30-day countdown toward mass changes, including:
- The imminent revocation of legal status for over 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who entered the U.S. under a humanitarian parole program. These individuals must depart the U.S. before their parole termination date if they lack a lawful basis to remain, highlighting the temporary nature of the parole status and its implications for immigration policy.
Key Provisions of the Revocation Notice:
- All pending CHNV applications will be canceled and not processed.
- Current beneficiaries must leave the U.S.:
- By their individual parole expiration date, or
- Within 30 days of March 25 (by April 24, 2025), whichever comes first.
- Parole-based work permits will be revoked under regulatory authority.
- DHS will prioritize deportation of CHNV parolees who:
- Lack pending asylum claims or other immigration applications.
- There will be no notice-and-comment process, effectively bypassing public feedback.
Access the Federal Register directly:
Federal Register – DHS Notices
Impact on Migrants
Once the program is revoked:
- Work permits will expire
- Temporary legal status under parole will end
- Migrants could face expedited deportation
- Many may self-deport or remain undocumented, increasing legal risk
It’s unclear how many CHNV recipients have since adjusted their immigration status (e.g., applied for asylum or family visas).
What Is Expedited Removal?
Expedited removal is a fast-track deportation process used for individuals who:
- Have been in the U.S. for less than two years
- Are not asylum seekers or haven’t passed a credible fear interview
Under new guidelines, many of those losing their parole status may become eligible for expedited deportation.
More on expedited removal: American Immigration Council – FAQ on Expedited Removal
Why the Program Was Ended: The Administration’s Justification
President Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden-era immigration policies, calling them overly permissive. On January 20, 2025, he signed an executive order that:
- Ordered the termination of the CHNV parole program
- Called for expanded use of expedited removal procedures
- Claimed Biden’s program violated federal immigration law
The revocation aligns with Trump’s promises to increase enforcement and reduce both legal and unauthorized immigration.
Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary, wrote in the notice:
“Upon review, DHS concludes that this deterrent and incentive approach did not result in a sufficient and sustained improvement in border security. It has instead exacerbated enforcement challenges in the U.S. interior.”
According to DHS, the CHNV parole process:
- Did not significantly deter illegal border crossings
- Created a “shadow population” of migrants with no clear path to permanent legal status
- Strained local housing, healthcare, education, and public service systems
- “Parole is inherently temporary,” the DHS stated. “It does not create a pathway to permanent residency.”
Public Benefits and Resource Competition
The Trump administration claims the influx of CHNV parolees strained local governments and services.
According to DHS Secretary Noem, parolees:
- Became eligible for food stamps and Medicaid if under 18
- Increased competition for:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Education
- Legal aid
- Public health services
Human and Legal Fallout: Who’s at Risk and What Happens Next?
Immediate Impact:
- More than half a million immigrants now face the risk of losing their legal status within 30 days.
- Beneficiaries will also lose their employment authorization, disrupting jobs, businesses, and local economies.
- U.S. sponsors—many of whom are citizens—feel betrayed by the sudden policy reversal.
Karen Tumlin, Executive Director of the Justice Action Center, stated: “The Administration’s targeting of one of the last remaining safe and lawful immigration pathways is reckless, cruel, and counterproductive.”“This sudden revocation of lawful status will unleash chaos in schools, hospitals, workplaces, and immigrant communities across the country.”
Groups impacted include:
- Mixed-status families (where one member is a U.S. citizen or legal resident)
- Unaccompanied minors
- Sponsors who provided housing and financial support under the original program
Legal Challenges and Advocacy Efforts Underway
Federal Lawsuits Are Already in Motion
The Justice Action Center (JAC) and other legal advocacy groups are filing lawsuits to:
- Block the termination of the CHNV program
- Argue that DHS failed to follow proper administrative law (arbitrary and capricious)
- Assert violations of due process and equal protection
- It causes irreparable harm to families, sponsors, and communities
“This decision will lead to chaos and needless heartbreak,” said Karen Tumlin, director of the Justice Action Center.
Follow court filings and legal updates here
Upcoming legal hearing:
- Date: Monday, March 25, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM EST
- Location: U.S. District Court, Boston, MA
- Issue: Emergency motion to stop DHS from terminating CHNV protections without due process
Follow legal developments at: Justice Action Center – CHNV Legal Updates
Next steps: seeing whether Congress or the courts will intervene
Wider Policy Context: TPS Termination and Enforcement Push
The CHNV program is not the only humanitarian protection on the chopping block, as new policies aim to end legal pathways for immigrants:
- The Trump administration has also signaled plans to end Temporary Protected Status** (TPS)** for:
- 600,000 Venezuelans
- 500,000 Haitians
- Migrants under TPS could face deportation as soon as April 8
- Hearings are scheduled in Massachusetts and California over the next two weeks
Explore TPS protections: USCIS – Temporary Protected Status
Wider Implications: 240,000 Ukrainians May Be Next
President Trump stated on March 6, 2025, that he is considering revoking parole status for more than 240,000 Ukrainians who fled to the U.S. after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. A decision could come as early as April.
This raises serious concerns about a broader rollback of Biden-era humanitarian pathways, especially for vulnerable groups fleeing armed conflict or authoritarian regimes.
International Repatriation Challenges
The policy creates new tension in diplomatic and political relations with countries that either:
- Refuse to accept deportees, such as Venezuela and Nicaragua
- Accept only limited deportation flights, like Cuba
- Face instability, as in Haiti, where the government is in collapse and gangs control parts of the capital
This makes actual removal of affected migrants logistically and politically complicated.
Venezuelan authorities have already resumed deportation coordination with the U.S., signaling readiness to receive nationals sent back under the new policy.
Impact on Families and Communities
Revoking CHNV parole protections affects:
- Mixed-status families, including U.S.-citizen children
- Sponsors who invested resources and signed affidavits of support
- Migrants who have worked legally, paid taxes, and integrated into communities
Many face legal limbo, as their asylum claims or visa applications remain stalled or unprocessed.
How This Connects to Broader Immigration Strategy
This change aligns with President Trump’s broader push to:
- Eliminate discretionary legal protections
- Drastically increase deportations
- Close off humanitarian pathways, even for those fleeing crises
This marks a reversal of Biden-era efforts to manage migration by offering legal channels rather than solely relying on border enforcement.
Criticism from Community Leaders and Sponsors
Guerline Jozef, Haitian Bridge Alliance:
“This is a war on poor, Black, and Brown immigrants who dared to seek safety and followed every rule the government gave them.”
Jose Palma, National TPS Alliance:
“Stripping legal protections from people who cannot safely return home is both dangerous and discriminatory.”
Viles Dorsainvil, Plaintiff from Ohio:
“The Haitian community has faced relentless stigmatization. This is just the latest attack—and it cannot be allowed to stand.”
Karen Tumlin, founder and director of the Justice Action Center, condemned the move:
“This is reckless, cruel, and counterproductive. It’s going to cause needless chaos and heartbreak for families and communities across the country.”
She emphasized that many CHNV recipients followed every rule, were vetted, and are now being punished for doing things legally.
What Can Migrants and Supporters Do Now?
For CHNV Beneficiaries:
- Check your official parole expiration date
- Track updates on USCIS parole guidance
- Contact an immigration attorney immediately
- Explore options to adjust status, including:
- Asylum
- Family-based petitions
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- U and T visas (for crime and trafficking victims)
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for minors
Find legal help: Immigration Advocates Network – Legal Directory
For Advocates and Community Allies:
- Contact your elected officials to urge congressional action: USA.gov: Find Your Representative
- Support or volunteer with:
- Amplify stories using the hashtag #ProtectCHNV and #DefendHumanitarianParole
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Revocation of the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program
❓ GENERAL OVERVIEW
1. What is the CHNV parole program?
The CHNV parole program, implemented in early 2023, allows nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to apply for temporary entry into the U.S. under humanitarian grounds. Approved individuals must have a U.S. sponsor and pass background and security checks.
2. Has the CHNV program been officially revoked?
As of now, the program remains in place under the Biden administration. However, former President Donald Trump has pledged to end the program if re-elected, and legal and political challenges could impact its future. This FAQ anticipates scenarios based on his immigration stance.
3. Why does Trump oppose the CHNV parole program?
Trump and his allies argue the program is unlawful and too lenient, claiming it encourages illegal immigration, abuses executive authority, and strains U.S. resources.
⚖️ LEGAL AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
4. Can a president unilaterally end the CHNV program?
Yes. Parole authority is discretionary and under the executive branch. The president, via DHS, can revoke or limit parole access through executive action or policy directives without needing new legislation.
5. Will ending CHNV require Congressional approval?
No. Parole programs are created and terminated by DHS under INA § 212(d)(5). However, Congress could pass legislation to expand, limit, or codify parole policies.
6. Could the courts block Trump from ending the CHNV program?
Possibly. Legal challenges may arise arguing due process or reliance interests for those already in the U.S. or approved for parole, especially if abrupt termination harms thousands.
👤 FOR INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS AND BENEFICIARIES
7. What happens to individuals already paroled under CHNV if the program is revoked?
They would retain their parole status until it expires (usually 2 years), but they may face difficulty renewing or adjusting status. Travel or re-entry could be jeopardized.
8. What about those who were approved but haven’t yet traveled to the U.S.?
They may have their travel authorizations revoked. CBP could cancel their parole pre-arrival. Legal options would be limited unless protected by litigation.
9. I applied but haven’t been approved yet. Will my case still be processed?
If Trump were to revoke the program, pending applications may be canceled or frozen. No guarantee exists that existing applications will be honored.
10. Can I reapply if the program is ended?
No. Once revoked, new applications under the CHNV program would no longer be accepted. You would need to explore other immigration avenues.
🧑🤝🧑 SPONSORS
11. What happens to sponsors of approved parolees?
They may continue supporting individuals already in the U.S., but their obligations won’t extend to new arrivals. They may face challenges assisting others if new applications are blocked.
12. Can sponsors be held liable if a parolee overstays or violates status?
Not typically under the CHNV program. However, sponsors provide financial support declarations and may be scrutinized if fraud or misrepresentation is involved.
13. Can I still become a sponsor after the program ends?
No. If the program is terminated, new sponsorships will no longer be accepted.
🧾 TRAVEL & ENTRY
14. Can I travel outside the U.S. on CHNV parole and return later?
Re-entry is always risky, but if the program is revoked during your trip, CBP could deny your return. Consult with an attorney before traveling internationally.
15. What documents should I carry to prove my lawful status?
Keep your I-94 record, parole approval notice, and any CBP-issued documents on your person at all times, especially if traveling or stopped by immigration officials.
🧑⚖️ LEGAL STATUS & PATHWAYS
16. Can I adjust status (get a green card) while on CHNV parole?
Only if you qualify through another path (e.g., asylum, marriage to a U.S. citizen, employer sponsorship). CHNV parole does not directly lead to permanent residency.
17. Does CHNV parole protect me from deportation?
Yes, temporarily. But parole is not the same as lawful status. If revoked or expired, you could become subject to removal unless you have another protection (e.g., TPS, asylum).
18. Can I apply for asylum while on CHNV parole?
Yes. Parolees may file for asylum within one year of arrival. Revocation of the program won’t remove this right.
19. Will I be eligible for TPS if the CHNV program ends?
Only if your country is designated for Temporary Protected Status and you meet the eligibility requirements. TPS is a separate form of protection.
🛑 ENFORCEMENT & RISK
20. Will ICE begin arresting or deporting CHNV parolees if the program is revoked?
Unlikely immediately, unless someone violates terms of parole or commits a deportable offense. However, without parole renewal or legal relief, future removal could become likely.
21. Could DHS retroactively cancel valid parole?
Yes, but it is rare and usually requires a specific reason (e.g., security risk, fraud). Revoking all current parolees retroactively would likely face court challenges.
🧠 PREPARATION & STRATEGY
22. What should CHNV parolees do now to protect themselves?
- Consult an immigration attorney
- Explore asylum, TPS, family petitions, or employment-based options
- Avoid international travel
- Keep documentation up to date
- Stay informed on policy developments
23. Can states or cities provide protection or support if CHNV is ended?
Some may offer legal aid, social services, or sanctuary policies, but only federal authorities control immigration enforcement and benefits.
🔍 LESS COMMON BUT IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
24. Can I apply for work authorization (EAD) after CHNV ends?
If you already have parole, you can apply for or renew your EAD during your valid parole period. New parolees likely won’t be issued EADs after program termination.
25. Can children paroled under CHNV attend public school?
Yes. All children have a right to attend public school in the U.S. regardless of immigration status.
26. What happens if a CHNV parolee commits a crime?
Criminal charges may trigger parole revocation and initiate removal proceedings. Even minor infractions can lead to complications for parolees.
Conclusion: A Defining Test for U.S. Immigration Values
This decision marks a turning point in U.S. immigration history. The sudden dismantling of CHNV humanitarian parole not only affects over half a million individuals but also reveals deeper questions about the country’s values, legal commitments, and treatment of asylum seekers and vulnerable communities.
Whether the courts, Congress, or public pressure can reverse this course remains to be seen. In the meantime, communities are mobilizing, lawyers are filing suits, and affected families are scrambling to understand what happens next.
Why You Should Act Now — With the Right Legal Partner by Your Side
The sudden revocation of the CHNV program under the Trump administration has left thousands of individuals and families facing uncertainty and fear. But uncertainty does not mean helplessness. Whether you’re currently in the U.S. under CHNV parole or preparing to help a loved one come, you have legal options — and the key to protecting your future is acting quickly, strategically, and with trusted guidance.
The Herman Legal Group has decades of experience navigating complex immigration changes — and we’re here to help you chart the best path forward. Our award-winning immigration attorneys understand the nuances of humanitarian parole, removal defense, family petitions, asylum claims, and adjustment strategies that may still be available to you.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Schedule a confidential consultation with us — online, by phone, or in-office — and take the first step toward clarity and protection. When your legal status and future are at stake, having the right team beside you can make all the difference.
Your future is worth fighting for. Let’s fight for it together.
CALL: 216-696-6170
Schedule Your Online Consultation Here.
RESOURCES
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): uscis.gov
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): aila.org
- Local Legal Aid Orgs: Search immigrationadvocates.org
- Asylum Help: https://asylumadvocacy.org
- TPS Info: uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
For Sponsors, Families, and Advocates:
- Contact your representatives via USA.gov
- Stay updated through:
- Share stories and raise awareness using the hashtags:
#ProtectCHNV and #DefendHumanitarianParole
- Track legal cases through CourtListener
- Email or call your representatives using USA.gov’s Directory of Officials
