At the beginning of October, it was announced that the Biden administration would not renew the humanitarian parole of four countries that allowed the temporary entry of immigrants with US sponsors.
This decision will affect thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Given the magnitude of this change, many immigrants may need to explore other avenues to regularize their status in the country.
For advice on immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact our immigration lawyers in New Jersey at Curbelo Law.
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Why won’t the Biden administration renew the humanitarian parole of the 4 countries?
The Biden administration has decided not to renew humanitarian parole, in part due to political pressure to reduce temporary parole programs that do not offer a permanent path to a Green Card.
The program, launched almost 2 years ago, was designed to:
- Offer immigrants a safe option to meet the requirements to legally enter the US, and
- Reduce illegal crossings at the southern border of the United States.
The program itself served its purpose of reducing border crossings. However, it has been criticized, as some view the parole as allowing entry to people who would otherwise not qualify for humanitarian parole.
The decision also highlights the difficulties of maintaining temporary programs. This is because, while they benefit many immigrants, they do not offer a permanent solution for those who wish to settle in the US.
Which 4 countries are affected by the decision not to renew the CHNV initiative
The 4 countries affected by the decision not to renew humanitarian parole (also known as the CHNV parole) are:
- Cuba,
- Haiti,
- Nicaragua, and
- Venezuela.
This information was provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS announced that the program that allowed the entry of hundreds of thousands of migrants from these nations since October 2022 will not be extended.
Although its duration is limited to two years, the program remains active for new applicants. In addition, the benefit for Afghans and Ukrainians has been extended.
If you are from Ukraine or know someone who would benefit from applying for the Uniting for Ukraine program, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our lawyer will help you with the process.
What options do immigrants affected by the news that the Biden administration will not renew Humanitarian Parole from these 4 countries have?
Immigrants affected by the decision not to renew the CHNV initiative have some alternatives to remain in the United States.
- In the case of Venezuelans and Haitians, they can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This program offers protection against deportation and grants work permits.
- Cubans may choose to adjust their status through the Cuban Adjustment Act, as long as they meet its requirements.
- However, for Nicaraguans, the outlook is more limited, and they may need to seek other avenues such as political asylum to regularize their status.
Either way, we encourage you to contact us for personalized guidance on your situation.
Our attorney, Carolina T. Curbelo, has over 10 years of experience in immigration law and is committed to helping you explore all legal options available for your case.
What will happen to immigrants without permission to remain in the United States?
Immigrants without permission to remain in the United States will face the need to leave the country before their authorized period of temporary stay expires.
According to DHS spokeswoman Naree Ketudat, those who fail to do so could be placed in deportation proceedings.
However, many of the migrants of the four affected nationalities have options to remain in the country through other programs or immigration relief.
If you are in an irregular situation in the United States, we invite you to read our post entitled: “How can an illegal immigrante become legal in the US.” There you will find valuable information about the options available to you, including programs and paths to regularization.
Don’t let fear stop you. Our attorney Carolina Curbelo is here to help you navigate this process.
