Options for Cuban Parolees Who Haven't Reached a Year in the U.S. or Will by April 24

The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the termination of humanitarian parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans has sparked confusion and concern. With a 30-day window provided by the government for those affected to respond, many are left wondering about their next steps. In an interview with Univision, attorney Claudia Cañizares shed light on this issue, offering advice to those impacted, particularly those who will have completed a year and a day in the U.S. by April 24, as well as those who have not yet applied for political asylum.

Cañizares emphasized the importance of understanding that individuals without a pending application at the time of the "Notice" are subject to expedited deportation. She stressed that the measure clearly states that those lacking a legal basis for staying in the country are at risk. However, she offered specific guidance under these conditions.

"Cubans who reach a year and a day before April 24 can apply when eligible, but not before," Cañizares advised. She highlighted a significant concern: the measure allows only 30 days for individuals to leave, not to apply. If strictly enforced, someone reaching their year and a day on March 28, for example, would not be eligible to apply for residency.

For parole beneficiaries who will not have reached a year and a day by April 24 and have not applied for asylum, Cañizares recommends submitting an application. She noted, "This measure could face a federal lawsuit, possibly leading to an extension period for applications." Her advice is to apply if they qualify, despite the document's clarity that those with no pending applications by March 25, 2025, are unprotected.

End of Humanitarian Parole Programs

The DHS's announcement, as published in the Federal Register and signed by Secretary Kristi Noem, marks the end of the parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, known as CHNV. These programs were originally designed to allow orderly and controlled entry into the U.S. The termination affects thousands who relied on this mechanism for legal stay.

The official end date for these programs is March 25, 2025. According to the DHS, those whose parole does not expire before April 24, 2025, will see their parole end unless exceptions are made. The department has been clear that parolees without a legal basis must leave before their parole expires to avoid strict enforcement actions, including expedited removal.

Recommendations for Parolees

The DHS has provided a 30-day period from March 25 for beneficiaries without a legal basis to leave voluntarily. Failure to do so could result in forced removal. Those with valid immigration applications in progress must provide evidence to avoid penalties or deportation proceedings.

The DHS has outlined official channels for notifications through the Federal Register and individual USCIS online accounts. This ensures that those affected are informed, even if they haven't updated their mailing address. The department reiterated that parole is discretionary, not a guaranteed right or a pathway to permanent residency.

In related news, it's been reported that the Trump administration has quietly paused the processing of permanent residency applications for individuals previously approved as refugees or granted asylum in the U.S.