A Cuban national who arrived in the United States in 2024 using the CBP One app has been informed by his employer that he faces termination as of April 25 due to the expiration of his work permit. The employer sent a letter stating that because of the revocation of the "parole program," if he hasn't applied for or received another status by the 24th, the law prohibits them from allowing him to continue working, necessitating his dismissal.
The affected individual, Reinie Ruiz, defended himself by stating, "We are all category C11, but CBP One has nothing to do with humanitarian parole," during an interview with journalist Daniel Benítez for Univision.
Ruiz, like thousands of other migrants, entered the U.S. through the southern border in 2024 after receiving an appointment via CBP ONE to apply for asylum. He was released with a parole which he used to apply for a category C11 work permit, identical to that of those who entered via humanitarian parole through an airport. However, the two types of parole are distinct, and attorneys caution that the revoked parole is the humanitarian one, previously granted to citizens of Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela.
Understanding the Distinction Between Parole Types
Attorney Mayron Gallardo clarified to the media that "currently, only the paroles from the humanitarian parole program are being canceled. Those who entered through CBP One still have active paroles; their I-94s remain valid, and their work permits, under the I-94 granted for two years, are fully active."
When asked how individuals who entered via CBP One and hold an I-94 can prove their permit remains valid, Gallardo explained: "The way to demonstrate this is by first checking your I-94 online, and if your I-94 remains active along with your work permit, everything is fine. The I-94 has not been revoked."
"Secondly, if you haven't received any official notification from USCIS revoking your work permit, your work permit remains active without any issues," Gallardo added.
Advice for Navigating Employment Eligibility
Attorney Wilfredo Allen advised migrants facing similar situations to inform their employers to check the "I-9." The Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security document, administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Its purpose is to verify the identity and employment authorization of all individuals hired to work in the United States.
Both attorneys emphasized that it must be clear to employers that the 'parole' under which a migrant entered through the CBP One app is unrelated to the humanitarian parole or the revocation announcement made by the U.S. government on March 25.
Common Questions About CBP One and Work Permits
What is the CBP One application used for?
The CBP One app is used to facilitate the entry of migrants into the U.S. by scheduling appointments for asylum applications and other immigration processes.
How can I check if my I-94 is still valid?
You can verify the validity of your I-94 by accessing the online system. If your I-94 is active, your associated work permit should also remain valid unless notified otherwise by USCIS.
What should I do if my employer questions my work authorization?
If your employer questions your work authorization, advise them to check the I-9 form. This form is used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired in the U.S.