The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated its humanitarian parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. It was a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy.

Program Termination

The humanitarian parole program, often called the CHNV program, was a key part of the Biden administration’s strategy for managing migration. Department of Homeland Security initiatives provided a legal and orderly way for individuals to come to the U.S. temporarily. The program required U.S.-based sponsors to financially support the applicants. The goal was to reduce illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Over 500,000 individuals benefited from the program.

On March 25, 2025, the new DHS Secretary announced the termination of the CHNV program. DHS stated that parole for these individuals would expire no later than April 24, 2025. This move effectively left over half a million people without a clear path to legal status. The Department of Homeland Security has also stated that it would prioritize the removal of CHNV beneficiaries who remain in the U.S. without a pending immigration application after their parole expires.

Legal Challenges and Future

The program’s termination has faced legal challenges. The lawsuit alleged violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. In April 2025, a judge temporarily paused the termination. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later allowed the DHS to end the program on May 30, 2025.

The termination of this program is a major policy change. It removes a key pathway for individuals from these four countries to enter the U.S. legally. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision has created uncertainty for many families. It has also raised concerns among immigration advocates. They worry that it could lead to an increase in unauthorized border crossings.