Dariel Fernández, the Cuban-American tax collector of Miami-Dade, has voiced his support for former President Donald Trump's recent immigration policy but has urged the application of "responsibility and integrity" in reviewing cases under the humanitarian parole program, especially for those fleeing dictatorships.
In a message on Instagram, Fernández revealed that he has formally written to former President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, requesting an individualized assessment of humanitarian parole beneficiaries. "Freedom is the true American dream, and we must defend it. (…) I fully support the deportation of those who lie, abuse the system, or commit crimes, but I also believe we must protect those who came in good faith seeking freedom from dictatorships," he stated.
Fernández attributed the current migration crisis to what he described as the "irresponsible" opening of borders by the Biden administration, driven by political penalties rather than humanitarian concerns. "The Biden administration created this crisis by opening the borders irresponsibly for political penalties. It is time to correct it with responsibility and integrity," Fernández added.
His statement follows the DHS's recent announcement of the termination of humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (known as CHNV), in line with Executive Order 14165 signed by Trump on January 20, 2025.
According to the DHS, over 532,000 individuals entered the United States between 2022 and 2025 under this mechanism. The new immigration approach argues that these programs "did not reduce irregular migration" and placed pressure on public resources and the judicial immigration system. Current permits will expire within 30 days, except for exceptions determined by the DHS. Pending travel permits and employment authorizations derived from parole will also be revoked, leaving thousands in immigration limbo.
Dariel Fernández, a Cuban-American entrepreneur, became the first elected tax collector of Miami-Dade this year, a position that had been abolished in the county in 1977. He is recognized for his commitment to the Cuban exile community and his advocacy for human rights on the island.
While Fernández supports measures to protect national security and combat immigration fraud, he emphasized that not all parole beneficiaries should be treated the same: "We cannot lump together those who came to commit crimes with those who escaped totalitarianism seeking a new life in freedom," he remarked.
His public declaration aims to ensure that DHS actions under the Trump administration do not re-victimize individuals persecuted by authoritarian regimes, particularly from Cuba, the country Fernández and his family emigrated from in the 1990s. The letter from the Miami-Dade official could pave the way for a more balanced approach in implementing the new immigration policy, advocating for rigorous yet fair oversight.
Meanwhile, thousands of migrants across the United States are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a measure that could dramatically alter their legal status and life prospects.
Understanding the Impact of Recent Immigration Policy Changes
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allows individuals from certain countries to enter the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. It is not a pathway to permanent residency.
Why is the Miami-Dade tax collector involved in immigration issues?
Dariel Fernández, as an elected official with a strong commitment to the Cuban exile community, is advocating for fair treatment of migrants, especially those fleeing oppressive regimes. His involvement underscores a broader concern about the impact of immigration policies on local communities.
What changes are being proposed to the current immigration policy?
The proposed changes include ending certain humanitarian parole programs and implementing stricter individual assessments to ensure that the system is not abused, while still protecting those genuinely seeking refuge from oppressive regimes.