Renowned Cuban immigration attorney, Wilfredo Allen, has downplayed former President Donald Trump's threats to deport beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs, urging Cubans to "live their lives." "There's a vast difference between what is promised and what can be executed... it's like the Pacific Ocean," Allen remarked to journalist Daniel Benítez for Univision.
Allen noted that humanitarian parole has always had a two-year expiration date. For Venezuelans, this period ends next month, and for Haitians, Cubans, and Nicaraguans, it begins to expire in January. He reminded that beneficiaries have always been under pressure to legalize their status within that timeframe or face deportation. However, he emphasized that Cubans have the safety net of the Cuban Adjustment Act, allowing them to apply for residency after one year and one day.
Throughout his statements, Allen dismissed Trump's words, assuring that once individuals are in the process of legalizing their status and have a USCIS receipt or a court date in the case of CBP One, there should be no issues. He further pointed out that the Department of Homeland Security lacks sufficient agents to pursue the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have entered the U.S. through these programs in recent years.
"Nothing to worry about," he reiterated, adding that those who entered via CBP One cannot be deported because they are given a court date upon entry. "As long as they don't commit crimes, there are zero issues of being detained or deported. They won't come looking for you. Live your lives," Allen advised.
"They won't be detained or deported; it's a fear they don't need to suffer," he concluded.
Political Debate Following Trump's Statements
Former President Donald Trump's promise to eliminate the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs if reelected has sparked a heated political debate. These programs have allowed Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrants to enter the United States. This announcement comes amid growing concerns about immigration and its impact on national security. However, those who have benefited from these programs might reconsider their voting intentions.
In a message directed at immigrants, Trump warned, "Prepare to leave, especially if you are criminals." This declaration, along with his proposal to close the borders, has elicited mixed reactions from immigration attorneys and political activists.
Recently, Avelino González, an immigration lawyer, told Telemundo 51 that while a new president could eliminate these programs, the effective deportation of migrants would require a judicial order. This raises questions about how traditionally Republican-voting families who have benefited from these programs might reassess their support for Trump following his recent threats.
González also pointed out that a candidate's actions do not always reflect what a president can or will do, adding a layer of uncertainty to the situation.
On the other hand, Democratic activist Luis Fernando Atencio questioned the seriousness of Trump's proposals, arguing that they lack a clear plan and are more like random attacks on immigrants. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has not clearly stated whether she intends to maintain the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs. Given that she is from the same party and currently serves as vice president, some assume she would support their continuation.
Challenges Faced by the Humanitarian Parole Program
Since its implementation in January 2023, the humanitarian parole program has faced numerous challenges, including legal cases questioning its validity and pauses due to fraud incidents. Despite its controversial nature, it is estimated that between 70,000 and 80,000 immigrants enter the U.S. legally each month through this program.
The latest report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated that by August, over 110,000 Cubans, 210,000 Haitians, nearly 93,000 Nicaraguans, and almost 117,000 Venezuelans had entered the country under the humanitarian parole program.