CHNV Humanitarian Parole Terminated: Legal Help & Next Steps for Those at Risk

The CHNV parole program has been terminated. This significant change was officially activated on May 30, 2025, by the Trump administration and affects all individuals sponsored by the CHNV parole program.  On June 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began sending termination notices to those impacted via their email or myUSCIS accounts. 

This new immigration law policy affects all Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) in the U.S. on the CHNV humanitarian parole program.

Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela Parole Update

The termination of the CHNV Parole program by DHS is a pressing issue. Individuals in the U.S. under the program and without another lawful immigration status are being told to leave the country immediately. 

The Trump administration is encouraging parolees to self-deport via the CBP Home Mobile App. According to the administration, those who leave voluntarily will receive travel assistance and $1,000 upon arrival in their home country.

CHNV Immigration Policy Update

CHNV parolees who remain in the U.S. without a lawful immigration status could face detention and expedited removal. Expedited removal refers to the process by which an individual can be deported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials without a prior hearing before an immigration judge.

Despite the termination of the CHNV parole program, legal options are still available. CHNV parolees who have pending asylum or other forms of immigration applications may still be able to remain in the U.S. We highly recommend contacting an immigration lawyer to discuss your specific circumstances and possible options for remaining in the U.S.

Employers should also review the records of employees here under the CHNV parole program, as the program includes work authorization. These employees may no longer be eligible to work. Employers are encouraged to contact an attorney specializing in employment-based immigration law.

History of the CHNV Parole Program

The Biden administration established the CHNV humanitarian parole program in 2023. The program was designed for four countries facing urgent humanitarian challenges and heightened instability:

• Cuba faces food shortages and severe economic crises.
• Haiti is experiencing ongoing national disasters, poverty, political insecurity, and rampant gang violence and control.
• Nicaragua is under an authoritarian government that uses measures such as term limits, political opponent imprisonment, and lethal force against protestors.
• Venezuela is experiencing food and opportunity shortages. Additionally, the president implemented extrajudicial executions, military tribunals, and suppression of a free press.

CHNV humanitarian parole sponsorship has been granted approximately 532,000 times; thus, the lives of 532,000 individuals are now upended. 

Understanding the CHNV Parole Program

The CHNV parole program did not grant immigration status. Instead, it only lasted for a limited period of time, in this case, two years. Additionally, those in the U.S. under the CHNV parole program were automatically issued work authorization. After two years, individuals were required to apply for an alternative status or leave the U.S.

To qualify for the CHNV parole program, DHS analyzed each individual on a case-by-case basis and had the discretionary authority to grant or deny CHNV parole. 

There were specific requirements that individuals must have met to be eligible for the CHNV parole program:

• Only qualified nationals abroad and their immediate family members were considered.
• Applicants must have had a U.S. tie or sponsor willing to provide financial support.
• The sponsor must have been a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or have lawful U.S. status.
• Sometimes, a business, organization, or multiple individuals could take responsibility for supporting an applicant.
• The applicant must have passed security vetting.

Now that the CHNV parole program has ended, it is vital to explore other options for remaining legally in the U.S.

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help You Navigate the Termination of the CHNV Parole Program?

There are several ways an experienced immigration lawyer can assist you with navigating the termination of the parole program. An immigration lawyer can do the following as the CHNV parole program ends.

• Evaluate your unique circumstances to determine whether you qualify for other forms of immigration relief, such as asylum or adjustment of status.
• File protective applications to halt deportation proceedings while other options are explored.
• Represent you in immigration court if placed in proceedings. 
• In cases of detention, file habeas corpus petitions to challenge unlawful detention.
• Help you apply for work authorization based on alternative legal statuses, such as asylum.
• Advise employers on how to navigate the changes in employment authorization status and comply with immigration law.

Contact Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C.

The termination of the CHNV parole program is a frightening reality for over 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans residing in the U.S. These individuals, who sought safety here to escape urgent humanitarian conditions and heightened instability in their home countries, are all at risk of removal under this new immigration policy.

Our team is ready to compassionately assist you in your fight to remain in the U.S. We are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable immigration lawyers staying current on the latest changes to immigration law. 

Contact us to learn about your options for remaining in the U.S. despite the end of the CHNV humanitarian parole program.