DHS Revokes Legal Protections for Immigrants from Central and South America

MIAMI (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday its plans to revoke the legal protections currently afforded to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision sets the stage for potential deportation for these individuals within a month.

Scope of the Order

The directive will affect approximately 532,000 individuals who entered the United States since October 2022 under a humanitarian parole program, which provided them with financial sponsorship. They were granted two-year permits to live and work in the U.S. These protections will officially end on April 24, following a 30-day notice period once the announcement is published in the Federal Register.

Background of the Humanitarian Parole Program

This policy particularly impacts those currently residing in the U.S. under the humanitarian parole system. The Trump administration had previously made moves to limit this program, citing concerns about its use, which they characterized as a “broad abuse.” This legal tool has historically been utilized by U.S. presidents to allow individuals from conflict-affected or politically unstable countries to seek refuge temporarily.

Details from the DHS Announcement

DHS has emphasized that without a lawful foundation to remain in the country, parolees “must depart” before the expiration of their parole. “Parole is inherently temporary,” DHS stated, clarifying that it does not confer any permanent immigration status.

Prior to this announcement, participants in the humanitarian parole program were allowed to stay in the U.S. until the expiration of their permits, although the current administration had halted the processing of asylum and other immigration applications for this group.

Challenges and Responses

This decision is already facing opposition, with various lawsuits filed in federal courts challenging the DHS’s termination of humanitarian parole. Organizations, including the Justice Action Center, have criticized the government’s stance, with founder Karen Tumlin describing it as “reckless, cruel and counterproductive,” expressing concern about the impact on families and communities across the nation.

Current Immigration Policy Context

The Biden administration previously extended a program allowing a monthly influx of up to 30,000 individuals from the affected countries to enter the U.S. for two years with work eligibility. In response to increasing migration, the administration negotiated with Mexico to accept the same number of migrants returned from these nations. Deportations have been complicated by diplomatic relations, as Cuba generally receives around one deportation flight each month, while Venezuela and Nicaragua have refused to accept any, in light of strained relations with the U.S.

Haiti, by contrast, has accepted numerous deportations, particularly following a surge of migrants in 2021. However, ongoing instability in Haiti has complicated U.S. deportation efforts.

Conclusion

Since late 2022, the humanitarian parole policy has facilitated the entry of over half a million individuals into the United States. The DHS’s recent actions reflect an ongoing effort to navigate immigration policy with both legal pathways and stricter enforcement measures against illegal crossings.