The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the legal status of more than 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, who were admitted to the U.S. under a Biden-era immigration program known as CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela). The plan, outlined in an unpublished Department of Homeland Security notice, signals a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, with potential deportations looming for many migrants.
Understanding the CHNV Program
The CHNV policy, established under former President Joe Biden, aimed to offer a legal pathway for migrants from four Latin American nations by allowing them to enter the U.S. if they had American sponsors to provide financial support. The Biden administration argued that this policy discouraged illegal immigration by offering a lawful alternative for those seeking refuge.
However, President Trump immediately froze the program upon taking office, with his administration arguing that it misused the immigration parole authority to bypass normal immigration processes.
What the New Plan Means for Migrants
- Migrants admitted under CHNV who fail to apply for, or obtain, another immigration benefit—such as asylum, a green card, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—will have their parole status revoked.
- Those affected will become ineligible to work legally in the U.S. and will receive notices to appear in immigration court, the first step in the deportation process.
- Federal immigration agents, including those with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been directed to expedite deportations in some cases.
The Trump administration’s plan highlights a wide-ranging effort to dismantle Biden’s immigration legacy by targeting both legal and unauthorized immigrants.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Some groups of migrants may face greater risks of deportation under this new plan:
1. Migrants Without Other Legal Protections:
- Those who have not applied for or qualified for asylum, a green card, or TPS could be placed in deportation proceedings.
2. Venezuelans Losing TPS Protections:
- This week, the Trump administration rescinded the Biden-era extension of TPS for Venezuelans, putting many Venezuelan migrants at risk of losing their protection from deportation.
3. Haitians and Other TPS Holders:
- Although many Haitians and Venezuelans are enrolled in TPS, this program is also under review as Trump officials argue it has been overused.
4. Cubans:
- Cubans granted parole have access to a Cold War-era law that allows them to apply for permanent residency, potentially offering them a safer pathway compared to migrants from other nations.
Legal Hurdles Migrants Face
- Applying for Asylum: Migrants can apply for asylum, but the process requires them to prove they are fleeing persecution based on factors like their political beliefs or religion—a difficult legal standard to meet.
- High Legal Thresholds: Without legal representation, many migrants struggle to meet the complex requirements for asylum or permanent residency, putting them at risk of deportation.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown
This latest move is part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration, which has taken significant steps to restrict both legal and illegal immigration:
- Restricting Asylum: Through executive orders, Trump officials have effectively closed down the asylum system, limiting access for migrants seeking protection.
- Expanded ICE Authority: Federal agents have been empowered to target most unauthorized immigrants, including non-criminals.
- Military Assistance: The Pentagon has been tasked with assisting in border enforcement, including using military planes to deport migrants.
- Pausing Refugee Arrivals: The administration has paused the admission of refugees, including Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion and Afghans escaping Taliban rule.
Impact on Other Biden-Era Programs
The CHNV program is not the only Biden-era initiative under review. The Trump administration has also:
- Suspended a mobile app that allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule appointments at official U.S. border entry points to begin their asylum cases.
- Halted programs that welcomed Central American children seeking to reunite with family members in the U.S.
- Initiated a review of all policies relying on the immigration parole authority, which could result in their permanent termination.
Criticism of the Trump Administration’s Move
Immigration Advocates React
Critics have condemned the administration’s decision, calling it unnecessarily harsh and disruptive.
Tom Jawetz, a former DHS immigration official under Biden, denounced the plan:
“Targeting people who came to the U.S. with sponsors and continue to play by the rules isn’t just gratuitously cruel, but it will make our system more chaotic.”
Advocates warn that revoking legal status could tear families apart, disrupt communities, and overwhelm immigration courts with additional cases.
Republican Support for Trump’s Crackdown
Despite criticism, many Republicans have supported Trump’s aggressive immigration stance. During the presidential campaign, Trump seized on Biden’s unpopular immigration policies, promising voters stricter enforcement at the border.
Trump officials argue that the rollback of Biden-era policies is essential to restoring order and ensuring that U.S. immigration laws are enforced.
Uncertain Future for Migrants
- Timeline: The Trump administration has not yet announced when the plan to revoke CHNV parole status will be finalized.
- Legal Challenges: Immigration advocates are expected to file lawsuits, potentially delaying or altering the implementation of the plan.
- Ongoing Reviews: Other Biden-era programs remain under review, with possible additional terminations on the horizon.
The decision to revoke legal status for over 530,000 migrants under the CHNV program highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to dismantle Biden’s immigration policies. As deportation risks rise for many migrants, legal battles and political debates are likely to escalate. This move could have lasting implications on U.S. immigration policy and the lives of thousands of individuals seeking a better future.