The Biden-Harris administration is reportedly planning to let protections for Venezuelan migrants expire at the month’s end, as reported by CBS News.
The humanitarian parole program initiated last year enabled Venezuelans to enter the U.S. after a vetting process, allowing them to stay without fear of deportation. However, the extension of this program will not cover everyone; particularly, those who arrived two years ago will lose their protections.
Experts argue that maintaining legal pathways reduces illegal crossing, suggesting the administration should either grow the humanitarian parole numbers or persuade Congress to create more work visas. Initially launched in October 2022, the program aimed to deter Venezuelans from migrating to the U.S.-Mexico border by providing a legal route if they had U.S.-based sponsors. By January 2023, this scheme had expanded to also include migrants from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
As of the end of August, approximately 530,000 migrants had entered the U.S. through this CHNV program, receiving legal status to live and work for two years. Despite expectations for an extension like those given to Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees, U.S. officials have stated that the Department of Homeland Security will not offer “re-parole” for Venezuelans.
Venezuelan parolees will soon receive notifications to either apply for another immigration benefit or exit the U.S. As for other groups, their protections won’t expire until 2025.
Former President Trump has hinted at plans to end the CHNV policy, predicting that if re-elected, he would force the mass departure of many migrants granted humanitarian parole or those on Temporary Protected Status. During a recent rally, he called for the removal of certain legally residing migrants, prompting widespread support from attendees.
A study from the American Immigration Council suggests that mass deportations could cost over $315 billion. According to immigration law expert Stephen Yale-Loehr, deportation typically concerns individuals without a legal status. He emphasizes that those on humanitarian parole should not face deportation unless they have additional grounds for it, like a criminal background.
Some GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Tony Gonzales from Texas, have criticized Trump’s proposed mass deportations, claiming the U.S. lacks the necessary resources for such an undertaking. Gonzales advocates that deportations should target serious offenders and calls for stronger actions against Venezuelan gangs, which he labels as “pure evil,” particularly in light of recent violence linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang.