The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began notifying migrants who arrived in the country as beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole implemented by the Biden administration this Friday that their status and corresponding work permits have been revoked.
According to the electronic communication sent this Friday to Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans who are beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program, employment authorizations based on parole have ended.
In the text shared on the platform X by journalist Jennie Taer, it is indicated that the DHS "intends" to revoke the employment authorization for more than 532,000 individuals who entered the United States under this program, as the condition under which the permit was granted no longer exists.
"DHS has just cause to determine that your employment authorization must be revoked upon the termination of your probation," the document states.
It also stipulates that, if the authorization has not yet expired, it will be revoked starting from April 24, 2025.
However, the migrant can provide contradictory evidence that they are still under parole in the United States by submitting the supporting documents through the myUSCIS platform before April 8, 2025.
"The timely presentation of contradictory evidence does not affect the termination of your parole originally granted under the parole programs of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela described above," the text clarifies.
The decision, as clarified by the DHS, is final: "No appeal will be made against the decision to revoke the employment authorization. If you work without employment authorization, you are violating the law."
Self-deportation or expulsion
The measure from the Trump administration urges Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who are beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program to voluntarily leave the country or face detention and deportation.
"Your parole will end on the earliest of the following dates: (1) the expiration date of your original parole or (2) April 24, 2025. You must leave the United States now, but no later than the termination date of your parole. Failing to leave on time may have adverse immigration consequences," reads the order.
The text warns that, starting from the end date of the parole, the migrant may be subject to expedited removal in accordance with section 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or may undergo removal proceedings under section 240 of the INA.
If migrants have not obtained a legal basis to remain in the country, and do not leave the United States before the end date of the parole, they will start to accumulate "unlawful presence in the United States", unless they are "otherwise protected against such accumulation."
The accumulation of more than 180 days of illegal presence followed by leaving the United States may result in being deemed inadmissible if you apply for entry again.
On the other hand, it is specified that if the exit route from the country is by land, one must notify of the departure once outside of the United States and through the CBP Home mobile application.
On March 25, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security ended the parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as for their immediate family members.
Implemented in 2023 by the government of former President Joe Biden, humanitarian parole has allowed Cubans to enter the U.S. with a temporary stay permit, provided they have a financial sponsor in the country.
The cancellation primarily affects those who have not yet applied for permanent legal status, such as political asylum or residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Most of the Cubans who entered the country under this program have already applied for or received permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act. However, it is estimated that about 26,000 Cubans who arrived after March 2024 still do not meet the one-year physical presence requirement needed to qualify for this law, leaving their immigration status in limbo.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Humanitarian Parole in the U.S.
Why did the United States revoke the humanitarian parole?
The revocation of humanitarian parole is based on a decision by the Trump administration, which believes that these programs did not succeed in reducing irregular migration or significantly improving border security. Furthermore, they argue that these programs placed pressure on public resources and the already overwhelmed immigration judicial system.
What should beneficiaries of humanitarian parole do after its revocation?
Beneficiaries must voluntarily leave the United States before April 24, 2025, or they will face deportation proceedings. Those who do not have another legal basis to remain in the country may begin to accrue unlawful presence if they do not take action in time.
What happens if migrants do not leave the United States before the deadline?
If migrants do not leave the United States before the deadline, they could face expedited deportation under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Additionally, they would begin to accrue illegal presence, which could negatively affect future entry applications to the country.
Are there legal alternatives for Cubans affected by the revocation of parole?
Yes, Cubans can benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, which allows them to apply for permanent residency after one year in the United States. However, they must have begun the process before the revocation of the parole to avoid legal complications.
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