Trump Administration Halts Biden-Era Migrant Parole Programs
Introduction
In a move to combat alleged abuse of parole authority, the Trump administration has suspended three Biden-era programs that provided temporary entry for migrants from Ukraine and Latin America. This suspension is part of a broader crackdown on immigration policies implemented by the previous administration.
Details of the Suspension
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented an agency-wide administrative pause on all pending benefit requests for migrants filing under the following three programs:
- Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)
- Processes for Haitians, Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV)
- Family Reunification Parole (FRP)
This pause will remain in effect until additional vetting is completed to identify any potential fraud, public safety, or national security concerns.
Background
Former President Trump had ordered an end to multiple parole programs on his first day in office. Subsequently, the DHS has allowed for those in the U.S. on parole processes to have their parole status canceled.
However, a memo issued on February 14, 2023, pauses pending requests for the three specific programs mentioned above.
Programs Under Suspension
Uniting for Ukraine:
This program used humanitarian parole to allow Ukrainians into the U.S. following the Russian invasion.
CHNV:
This controversial program allowed migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to receive travel authorization and fly into the U.S. Over 500,000 migrants entered under this program. It was briefly paused last year after DHS discovered fraud in sponsor applications.
Family Reunification Parole:
This program was expanded to include nationals from Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, and Haiti, and allowed them to enter the U.S. on parole while applying for a green card.
Rationale for Suspension
The DHS claims that parole has been "repeatedly abused" in the past and that the current programs are inconsistent with the relevant statute. The memo states that "the parole statute does not authorize categorical parole programs that make aliens presumptively eligible on the basis of some set of broadly applicable criteria."
Wider Context
The suspension of these migrant parole programs is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to overhaul the immigration system and reverse policies implemented by the Biden administration. Other recent actions include:
- Suspension of refugee resettlement
- End of use of the CBP One app for parole at ports of entry
- Launch of a mass deportation operation
- Review of parole programs
- Increased use of expedited removals
Reaction
The suspension of the parole programs has drawn criticism from immigration advocates, who argue that it will harm vulnerable individuals and families seeking safety or reunification. The administration maintains that the measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the immigration system and ensure public safety.
