The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering terminating two significant programs established by Joe Biden's administration, which have allowed over 1.3 million immigrants legal entry into the United States. These initiatives, known as CBP One and the humanitarian parole program, have provided pathways for migrants from nations such as Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to enter the U.S. under specific conditions.
Specifically for Cubans, those who entered the country under the humanitarian parole were eligible after a year and a day to apply for political asylum under the Cuban Adjustment Act, thereby regularizing their status in the U.S. However, sources close to Trump's transition, who secured victory in the U.S. presidential election this past Tuesday, indicated to CBS News that ending these programs could render hundreds of thousands eligible for deportation if they haven't secured asylum or another legal status permitting them to stay, as reported by Telemundo 51.
Biden's Immigration Strategy at Risk
The CBP One and humanitarian parole programs have been crucial in Biden's strategy to promote legal immigration while discouraging illegal border crossings. Yet, under Trump's plan, even those who entered legally through these programs could be at risk of deportation. Initially, the focus would be on individuals deemed threats to national security, such as military-aged Chinese migrants and those with criminal records.
Potential Legal Battles on the Horizon
Despite the possibility of implementing deportations, sources caution that these migrants might not be an immediate priority for removal. Nonetheless, they could face expulsion in the future. Delays may occur as the transition team evaluates plans designed to "maximize the reach of deportations" and prioritize certain immigrants for early removal.
This strategy is a critical element of Trump's pledge to carry out mass deportations, a proposal likely to spark legal challenges. Advocates for immigrant rights are already gearing up for legal battles to contest any efforts to rescind the status of those who arrived through these programs.