CHNV Parole Program Has Come To An End
Legal Status ends for Over half a Million Immigrants from Four Countries. October 2024, the Biden administration announced it will not renew or extend a two-year temporary humanitarian parole program for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (known as CHNV). The program granted immigrants from CHNV entry into the U.S on a two-year parole and granted work authorization. The humanitarian program was created in 2022 to curb illegal border crossings by Venezuelans. In 2023 the program was expanded to include Haitian, Nicaraguan and Cuban nationals.
DHS spokesperson Naree Ketudat in a statement said: “This two-year period was intended to enable individuals to seek humanitarian relief or other immigration benefits they may be eligible, and to work and contribute to the United States.”
As of August, approximately 530,000 immigrants have entered the United States under this two-year parole program, (roughly 214,000 from Haiti, 117,000 from Venezuela, 111,000 from Cuba, and 96,000 from Nicaragua). However, without a pathway to green card status, or other temporary legal status many of these immigrants may possibly face removal/deportation.
OTHER LAWFUL PATHWAYS
Venezuelan and Haitian nationals may qualify for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) which grants temporary legal status, work permit and protection from deportation due to existing country conditions such as violence or natural disaster. Venezuelans who arrived before July 2023 and Haitians who arrived before June 2024 are eligible for TPS. Cuban nationals may seek lawful permanent resident status under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Nicaraguans, however, are left with less options and therefore face a higher risk of deportation. While asylum is available to those who prove persecution based on religion, race, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group, it is a very difficult claim to prove. As such, not everyone will qualify.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
The non-renewal of this program means the end of temporary legal status and expiration of work authorizations for existing CHNV immigrants. Although, the Biden administration will continue to accept new applicants under the program, the administration has said it will not grant extensions to existing CHNV nationals under this program.
As it stands, those whose two-year term has ended and will eventually end, must apply for another form of legal status, leave the U.S., or face removal proceedings.
UNSURE OF YOUR OPTIONS OR WHAT TO DO?
If you or a loved one is affected by the end of the two-year humanitarian program, contact our office for a consultation at 954-302-8989. Immigration is complex and ever changing so do not navigate your immigration matter alone.
