President Donald Trump eliminated a program used by the Biden Administration to temporarily allow entry to migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
In an executive order, Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security to “end all categorical parole programs that are contrary to United States policies established in my executive orders,” including the humanitarian parole program for those four. countries.
“One of my most important obligations is to protect the American people from the disastrous effects of illegal mass migration and resettlement,” Trump said in the order.
“My administration will marshal all available resources and authorities to stop this unprecedented flood of illegal immigrants into the United States.”
The Biden administration briefly paused the program due to concerns about fraud, but it later got back up and running.
In October, he decided not to renew the legal status of those under the program, saying migrants would have to find a different path to obtain legal status once their parole expires.
Humanitarian parole program has allowed 79 thousand Cubans to enter the United States
Biden’s initiative allowed migrants from those countries to apply for entry into the United States due to “urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit,” without having to attempt to cross the border illegally.
A sponsor in the United States and a background check were required to apply. Once approved, migrants were allowed to stay in the country for up to two years, obtain a work permit and be protected from deportations.
Since 2023, 531,690 people have received compassionate parole, according to DHS. The program is credited with helping reduce the number of illegal border crossings between the United States and Mexico.
