The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the distribution of electronic notifications this past Friday to migrants who entered the country under the humanitarian parole program. The message instructs recipients to depart from the United States or face expulsion. This notification, aimed at Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan individuals benefiting from the parole program, emphasizes the necessity of leaving the country voluntarily to avoid detention and deportation.
The document, which was shared on the platform X by journalist Jennie Taer, states, "You must leave the United States on or before the expiration date of your parole. Failure to depart in a timely manner may result in adverse immigration consequences." This directive follows the recent termination of the program, which had allowed over 532,000 individuals to enter the U.S.
With the conclusion of the parole, individuals could be subject to expedited removal as outlined in section 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or removal procedures under section 240 of the INA. Both could lead to deportation unless the individual has already departed the U.S. or secured a legal basis to remain in the country.
The notice further insists that if migrants have not secured a legitimate reason to stay and fail to leave by the parole expiration date, they will start accruing "unlawful presence" in the United States, unless otherwise protected from this accumulation. "Accumulating more than 180 days of unlawful presence followed by departure may render you inadmissible if you seek reentry within a specified period after leaving," the notice explains.
Additionally, it specifies that if departing via land, individuals must report their exit from the U.S. using the CBP Home mobile application. The notice also revokes employment authorization based on parole status. This employment benefit, contingent on parole, has been terminated as per the document received by migrants.
"The DHS notifies its intent to revoke your employment authorization based on parole under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(11). The DHS intends to revoke your employment authorization because the condition under which it was granted—being admitted to the United States under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the INA—no longer exists," the order states.
If the employment authorization based on parole has not yet expired, it will be terminated as of April 24, 2025, unless contrary evidence is submitted showing continued parole status in the United States. However, presenting such evidence does not affect the termination of the original parole granted under the humanitarian programs for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela.
"Any decision to revoke your employment authorization is final, and no appeal will be entertained against the decision to revoke employment authorization. See 8 CFR 274a.14(b)(2). Working without employment authorization is a violation of the law," the text concludes.
Understanding the Consequences of Parole Termination
What happens if I don't leave the U.S. before my parole expires?
Failure to leave the U.S. before your parole expires can lead to detention and removal proceedings. Additionally, it may result in accruing unlawful presence, which can have serious immigration consequences.
How does unlawful presence affect my future U.S. immigration prospects?
Accumulating unlawful presence can make you inadmissible for future entry into the U.S., particularly if you accumulate more than 180 days of unlawful presence followed by a departure.
Can I appeal the revocation of my employment authorization?
No, the decision to revoke employment authorization based on parole is final and cannot be appealed, according to 8 CFR 274a.14(b)(2).
What should I do if I plan to leave the U.S. by land?
If you plan to exit the U.S. by land, you must report your departure through the CBP Home mobile application once you have left the country.