Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Parole Programs Ending

intake39
Apr 22
3 min read

Updated: May 6

On March 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially terminated the parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (collectively known as the CHNV parole programs). This decision, set to take effect on April 24, 2025, will impact approximately 530,000 individuals who have sought temporary refuge in the United States under these initiatives.

CHNV Parole Programs

Initiated between 2022 and 2023, the CHNV parole programs were designed to offer temporary humanitarian relief to nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These countries have faced significant political, social, and economic challenges, prompting many of their citizens to seek safety and better opportunities abroad. The programs allowed beneficiaries to reside and work in the U.S. for up to two years, provided they had financial sponsors and passed security screenings. This approach aimed to reduce unauthorized border crossings by offering a legal pathway for migration.

Reasons for Termination

The DHS, under the direction of Secretary Kristi Noem, has cited concerns that the CHNV parole programs exceeded the intended scope of federal law. The administration argues that these initiatives no longer serve the humanitarian or public benefits they were designed for, leading to the decision to terminate them.

Implications for Current Beneficiaries

The termination of these programs carries significant consequences for current beneficiaries:

Loss of Legal Status: Individuals currently residing in the U.S. under the CHNV parole will see their legal status revoked effective April 24, 2025. This revocation applies even if their original parole period was set to expire at a later date.
Employment Authorization: Alongside the loss of legal status, employment authorization documents (EADs) linked to the CHNV parole will also be terminated on April 24, 2025. This means affected individuals will no longer have the legal right to work in the United States.
Risk of Deportation: Without an alternative lawful basis to remain in the U.S., such as asylum or other immigration relief, affected individuals will be required to depart the country before their parole termination date. Failure to do so may result in removal proceedings

Important Update for Venezuelan Nationals:

A recent court decision paused the termination of TPS for Venezuela under the 2023 designation. Those with TPS from that designation remain protected and can work through April 2, 2026. Employers must re-verify work authorization by April 2, 2025.

In January 2025, then-DHS Secretary Mayorkas had extended TPS for both the 2021 and 2023 Venezuela designations through October 2, 2026, requiring re-registration between January 17 and September 10, 2025.

Later that month, Secretary Noem reversed the extension. The 2023 TPS designation was set to end on April 7, 2025, and DHS stopped processing TPS re-registration applications.

The court has since blocked the termination of the 2023 designation, allowing TPS and work authorization to continue for now. TPS from the 2021 designation remains valid through September 10, 2025.

The government has appealed the ruling and may still terminate TPS if a higher court sides with them. USCIS may also be required to reopen registration, so eligible individuals should be ready in case registration resumes.

Recommended Actions for Affected Individuals

Given the gravity of this policy change, it is crucial for those impacted to take proactive steps:

Consult Legal Counsel: Seek advice from qualified immigration attorneys to explore potential avenues for remaining in the U.S. lawfully. This could include applying for asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or other forms of relief.
Stay Informed: Regularly monitor updates from reputable sources, such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and DHS, to stay abreast of any changes or additional guidance.
Prepare for Transition: If no legal options are available to maintain residency, begin making arrangements for a safe and orderly departure from the United States to comply with the new regulations.

Next Steps

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and other advocacy groups will provide further analysis and resources. However, time is critical. If you are affected by this change, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.

At Tran Flores Law, we are committed to helping immigrants navigate these complex changes. Contact our office today to discuss your situation and find the best path forward.