What’s Happening
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated that it will be publishing a notice in the Federal Register on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, announcing its plans to terminate a program granting humanitarian parole and employment authorization to qualifying nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, a program commonly referred to as the “CHNV Parole Program.”.
What you Need to Know
The termination of CHNV parole will take effect on April 24, 2025 ( or 30-days after the publication of the notice in the Federal Register if published after March 25th). As of the effective date, CHNV parolees and their immediate family members will lose their parole benefits, including their ability to remain lawfully in the U.S. and their employment authorization (even if their parole document or EAD card have a later expiration date). DHS expects all CHNV parolees who have not secured an alternative lawful means of remaining in the U.S. to depart by April 24, 2025. Those who do not depart the U.S. by that time may be subject to a process known as “expedited removal” - a fast-track deportation process without a hearing before an Immigration Judge that carries with it a 5-year bar on reentry to the U.S.
The termination of the CHNV Parole program does not impact similar parole programs currently in effect for Ukrainian and Afghan nationals, though separate notices announcing the termination of those parole programs may happen in the future based on the January 20th “Securing our Borders” Executive Order (EO) directing the termination of all categorical humanitarian parole programs “that are contrary to the policies of the United States established in [the President’s] Executive Orders.” While the EO specifically called out the CHNV Parole Program, it is possible that other categorial programs for Ukrainians and Afghans may also be terminated as these programs were already paused effective January 28th to allow the Administration time to further evaluate which programs it will ultimately terminate.
While individuals currently on any form of categorical humanitarian parole should consult with immigration counsel to identify whether they have another lawful means of remaining in the U.S., this is most urgently required for CHNV Parolees given the imminent termination of that parole program in approximately one month.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on how this development may impact your specific circumstances, please contact your D&S professional.