A federal appeals court has recently denied the Trump Administration’s request to proceed with revoking temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants. This decision has significant implications for humanitarian policy. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from ending a two-year humanitarian parole program.
The program, often referred to as the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) parole program, allowed individuals who had a U.S.-based sponsor and passed a background check to enter the country legally. The Biden administration implemented this policy as part of a broader “carrot-and-stick” approach to immigration. The aim was to reduce irregular migration at the U.S.-Mexico border by offering a safe, lawful alternative for entry. In return, migrants who attempted to cross the border without authorization from these countries were subject to immediate expulsion. Interestingly, while Trump’s plans aimed to revoke TPS, these nations found temporary relief under the new administration’s approach.
The Trump Administration sought to terminate this program, arguing that it was an overreach of executive authority. They claimed the administration had the right to revoke such grants of parole. The court’s action provides a temporary reprieve for the affected migrants. This ruling underscores the ongoing legal battles and policy shifts surrounding immigration in the United States. It highlights the deep divisions over how to manage humanitarian crises and border security, especially concerning the attempt by Trump to revoke TPS for these four nations.
What affected people should do now — clear, practical steps
The revocation of Temporary Protected Status for certain countries can create immediate uncertainty for beneficiaries and family members. Below is a practical, client-facing checklist and short guidance your clients can use right away to protect options and prepare for next steps.
Immediate documents to gather and secure
Assemble certified copies (or originals when possible) of the following and keep both a printed folder and an encrypted digital copy:
- Passport biographical pages and any U.S. entry stamps (I-94 if available)
- TPS approval notices, Form I-797 receipts, and prior re-registration evidence
- Birth and marriage certificates (certified translations if not in English)
- Work authorization cards (EAD), pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of residence
- Medical records, school records for minor children, and any documents showing long-term community ties
Practical next legal steps (triage for counsel)
- Confirm status & deadlines: verify the effective date of the TPS termination and any posted deadlines for re-registration, appeals, or administrative procedures.
- Assess alternative relief: screen for forms of relief such as asylum, family-based petitions, adjustment (if eligible), U- or T-visas, cancellation of removal (where available), or other humanitarian options. Prioritize any avenue that has filing windows.
- Prepare emergency packets: create a one-page case summary plus clearly labeled exhibits (Exhibit A, B, etc.) so staff can file quickly if an urgent motion or stay is needed.
- Notify family & contacts: ensure the client has a short emergency contact list (attorney, close family, consulate) and a plan for who should receive notices if the client is detained.
How clients should handle encounters with enforcement
Advise clients to remain calm, politely ask whether the officer has a warrant, and avoid consenting to searches of phones or electronic devices. If detained, note officer information and notify counsel immediately. Do not destroy evidence or obstruct — instead preserve documents and gather witness names where safe to do so.
Short FAQs clients ask now
- Can I still work or renew my EAD?
- This depends on the effective termination date and USCIS guidance; keep EAD copies and counsel will advise whether EAD renewal or continuation is possible.
- Is there an appeal or re-registration option?
- Sometimes administrative or court challenges are available; counsel should check for nationwide injunctions, class actions, or pending litigation that may affect deadlines.
- What relief should we consider first?
- Prioritize relief with immediate filing windows or requirements (asylum deadlines, family petitions with current visas, U-visa eligibility where violent crime is involved). Each file needs an individualized screening.