This past Saturday, Amnesty International issued a sharp critique of President Donald Trump's administration following the announcement to terminate the humanitarian parole program. This initiative had been providing aid to migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International's Americas director, took to social media stating, "Trump reaffirms his disdain for human rights and the U.S.'s international obligations."
Guevara Rosas highlighted the issue with a poster titled "Lives in Limbo," condemning the measure that leaves over 500,000 migrants, who legally entered under this program, unprotected. She warned of the "devastating consequences" for those affected.
Executive Order 14165, signed by Trump on January 20, 2025, mandates that individuals without another legal basis to remain in the U.S. must leave voluntarily or face deportation proceedings starting April 24.
According to a draft from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signed by Secretary Kristi Noem, the program's termination also nullifies pending travel permits, confirmed support forms (I-134A), and employment authorization linked to the parole status. The DHS argued that the policy, initially implemented by the Biden administration, failed to curb irregular migration or enhance border security, overwhelming public resources and the immigration judicial system.
Since its inception in 2023, the program, known as CHNV, facilitated the entry of more than 532,000 individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Out of these, at least 110,000 Cubans received travel authorization, with thousands still awaiting their immigration processes.
The Trump administration's decision potentially impacts over 800,000 people, including 240,000 Ukrainians and other beneficiaries of various parole programs.
Impact and Implications of Ending the Humanitarian Parole Program
What is the Humanitarian Parole Program?
The Humanitarian Parole Program was designed to allow individuals from certain countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua, to enter the U.S. legally due to humanitarian reasons.
Why was the program terminated?
The Trump administration argued that the program did not decrease irregular migration or improve border security, and it strained public resources and the immigration judicial system.
How many people are affected by this decision?
The termination of the program affects over 500,000 migrants who entered legally, and potentially impacts more than 800,000 individuals, including 240,000 Ukrainians and others under different parole programs.