The Biden administration has announced that legal permissions for certain migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti provided through a temporary humanitarian program will not be extended. This decision, as per the Department of Homeland Security, means that these migrants will need to seek other legal means to remain in the United States.
The program was initially rolled out nearly two years ago, primarily aimed at Venezuelans seeking to come to the US. It allowed them to temporarily live and work in the country to help manage surges at the border. Requirements for participants included having a sponsor in the US, undergoing screening and vetting, and completing vaccinations.
Subsequently, the program was extended to include Nicaraguans, Cubans, and Haitians, with the intention of providing a structured way for migrants to enter the US. However, the program has faced criticism from Republicans who argue that the administration was misusing parole authority.
By the end of August, close to 530,000 individuals from the four countries had entered the US under this program. While new applicants can still apply, the administration briefly paused the program this summer due to concerns about fraud.
Homeland Security officials have clarified that the program was always meant to be temporary, allowing individuals to apply for other legal statuses while in the US. The administration did not guarantee an extension of the program, although re-parole was permitted for Ukrainians and Afghans under similar initiatives.
Protections under the program will gradually expire, and individuals who have not sought alternative legal permissions will be required to apply for another status, leave the US, or potentially face deportation proceedings.
Venezuelans and Haitians have the option of applying for Temporary Protected Status, while Cubans have a distinct pathway to permanent status. However, Nicaraguans may face more limited options, as not everyone qualifies for asylum.
The House Homeland Security Committee Republicans have criticized the administration for the potential lapse of parole for some Venezuelans under the program, highlighting that there are alternative avenues for them to seek permission to stay in the US.
