Rump Ends Legal Status For 530,000 Migrants From Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua & Venezuela

The Biden-era immigration policy that granted temporary legal status to over 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans in the United States is set to be revoked by President Donald Trump. This decision was officially published in a Federal Register notice on Friday, marking another step in the administration’s stricter immigration policies.

Key Immigration Policy Change Effective April 24

The policy shift, which takes effect on April 24, will prematurely end a two-year parole program introduced by former President Joe Biden. This program allowed eligible migrants to legally enter the U.S. by air if they secured sponsorship from U.S. residents.

Since assuming office, President Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, advocating for the deportation of undocumented migrants. His administration argues that parole programs launched under the Biden administration exceeded federal legal boundaries, leading to their termination through an executive order signed on January 20.

Potential Impact on Ukrainian Migrants

During a speech on March 6, Trump indicated that he would soon decide whether to revoke parole status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge in the U.S. following the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reports suggest that the administration may enforce this revocation as early as April.

Background of the Biden Parole Program

In an effort to manage high migration levels, the Biden administration introduced a parole entry program in 2022, initially targeting Venezuelans. By 2023, the initiative expanded to include migrants from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. However, diplomatic and political tensions between these countries and the U.S. have played a role in policy changes under the Trump administration.

Biden’s policy aimed to create legal migration pathways while also reducing illegal border crossings, particularly at the U.S.-Mexico border. However, the Trump administration’s reversal of this policy could result in significant legal and social challenges for affected migrants, making them vulnerable to deportation if they remain in the country without an alternative status.

For more insights into U.S. immigration policies and their impact, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website: USCIS.gov.