The Biden-Harris administration is preparing to let protections for Venezuelan migrants end by the end of this month. Reports indicate that the parole program, which allowed many Venezuelans to stay in the United States after undergoing a vetting process, will not be extended. This change will primarily affect those who arrived under this program two years ago.
Initially, the program aimed to reduce the number of Venezuelans trying to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. It provided a legal pathway for migrants who had sponsors in the United States. In early 2023, the administration broadened this program to include migrants from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua due to the increasing number of people from these countries crossing the border. Since then, about 530,000 migrants have entered the U.S. through the CHNV program.
Many advocates hoped that the administration would extend the parole status for those involved in the CHNV program. They thought this might happen since the administration had previously extended protections for Afghan and Ukrainian evacuees. However, it now seems that Venezuelan migrants will receive notifications to apply for other immigration benefits or prepare to leave the U.S.
As for the status of Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans, there is still no official decision. Their parole periods are not set to expire until 2025, so their situation remains uncertain for now. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has pledged to end the CHNV program if he wins another term. He has promised mass deportations for those currently protected under humanitarian parole or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Experts caution that mass deportations would be both expensive and challenging to execute. While Trump’s promises have drawn attention, they also raise concerns about the feasibility of such actions. Many believe that enforcing mass deportations on this scale would require resources and infrastructure that simply do not exist.
Concerns about deportation and the future of migrants under the CHNV program highlight the complexities surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. Advocacy groups continue to push for better protections and pathways for migrants facing uncertainty. The decisions made by the Biden-Harris administration in the coming weeks could significantly impact the lives of thousands of Venezuelan migrants.
The situation remains fluid as the administration navigates the pressures of immigration policy while balancing the needs of various migrant groups. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future for those seeking refuge in the United States.