Former U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticized a federal judge’s ruling that blocked his administration’s attempt to revoke the legal status of over 530,000 migrants who arrived under a Biden-era immigration program. Trump expressed his frustration on his Truth Social account, saying the court’s requirement for each migrant to be tried individually would delay the process for decades.
The court’s decision focused on the controversial CHNV parole program, which allowed citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally enter the U.S. by air if they had sponsors. Launched during President Joe Biden’s term, the program aimed to create safer legal pathways to reduce illegal border crossings.
What exactly did Trump say about the ruling?
Trump described the court as “out of control,” claiming the requirement to try each migrant separately could take “approximately 100 years.” He further accused the judge of being biased against him and mocked President Biden, calling him “Sleepy Joe.” Trump’s statement implied that while Biden could allow over half a million migrants to enter quickly, the U.S. would now need years of trials to send them back.
Trump wrote, “Where is the JUSTICE here???” referring to what he sees as an unfair legal obstacle to enforcing immigration policy changes.
What was the judge’s ruling?
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, appointed by former President Barack Obama, blocked Trump’s efforts to immediately end the legal status and work authorization for migrants under the CHNV program. Her order stated that removing legal status without a case-by-case review violated basic due process rights. She temporarily stopped the administration from terminating the parole of these migrants before their original two-year period ends.
Judge Talwani emphasized that forcing these individuals to leave or face removal proceedings without proper review would cause harm. Migrants under the CHNV program are now allowed to stay in the U.S. legally and can apply for work permits or even request status adjustments, pending further court decisions.
What is the CHNV parole program?
The CHNV parole program was introduced by Biden in 2022 for Venezuelans and extended in 2023 to include Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans. It allowed up to 30,000 people per month from these countries to enter the U.S. legally if they had a U.S.-based sponsor and passed background checks. The program was designed to reduce dangerous, unauthorized border crossings and give migrants a legal way into the country.
Why does Trump want to end the program?
Trump’s administration argues that the CHNV program encouraged mass immigration and was abused. In March, his team announced plans to revoke the status of those already admitted through this program, claiming the process lacked proper vetting and fairness. The plan was supposed to take effect on April 24, but the court ruling has now delayed that.
What happens next?
The court has not issued a final decision, but the stay prevents the Trump administration from ending the program for now. Migrants covered under the CHNV policy can continue to live and work legally in the U.S. until further notice. The Department of Homeland Security is also temporarily blocked from carrying out mass deportations tied to the revocation.
Trump’s critics argue that the judge’s decision protects human rights and due process, while his supporters say it slows down necessary immigration reform.
Tip for migrants under CHNV parole:
- Stay updated through official government immigration portals and legal support groups.
- Apply for work permits or status adjustment within the allowed period to avoid complications.