On Thursday, three organizations advocating for immigrant rights initiated legal action against the termination of the humanitarian parole program for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The central argument of their lawsuit is that this decision violates the immigrants' right to due process by mandating the rapid removal of thousands of beneficiaries without the chance for a hearing before an immigration judge, as reported by Univision.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal district court in Washington, D.C., by UndocuBlack Network (UBN), the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), and CASA, based in Maryland. These groups are legally represented by the Justice Action Center. The plaintiffs stated that the case is brought forward on behalf of their members who were granted parole at a border entry point, through the Operation Allies Welcome, or were sponsored by the humanitarian parole program for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV).
Originally launched in April 2022, this program allows immigrants to enter the U.S. under humanitarian conditions and has facilitated the admission of about 240,000 Ukrainian citizens. In October of that year, the program was extended to include Venezuelans, and by January 2023, it was further expanded to cover individuals from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti.
However, the termination announced by the Trump Administration on March 25, 2025, impacts beneficiaries from these four nations. The suing organizations demand that the immigration process be respected and that beneficiaries be assured the right to a judicial hearing before any deportation. They emphasize that this policy change endangers thousands of vulnerable people who have relied on the humanitarian parole program for a chance at safety and stability in the United States.
Key Questions about the Humanitarian Parole Lawsuit
What is the main argument of the lawsuit against the parole termination?
The lawsuit contends that the termination of the humanitarian parole program violates due process by expediting the removal of beneficiaries without the opportunity for a hearing before an immigration judge.
Who filed the lawsuit challenging the end of the parole program?
The lawsuit was filed by the UndocuBlack Network, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, and CASA, with legal representation from the Justice Action Center.
Which groups of immigrants are affected by the program's termination?
The termination affects beneficiaries from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who were part of the humanitarian parole program.