The Trump administration has officially ordered over 500,000 immigrants to leave the United States after revoking their temporary protections. This decision impacts individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who had entered the U.S. under the controversial CHNV parole program.
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld the policy change, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun sending termination notices to the affected immigrants.
The action is a direct reversal of the Biden administration’s humanitarian initiative, which had allowed these individuals to stay in the U.S. temporarily while their immigration cases were processed.
A Major Policy Shift in Immigration Enforcement
The CHNV program was introduced in 2023 as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to address the humanitarian crises in several countries by providing a safe and orderly route for vulnerable individuals to enter the U.S.
However, the Trump administration‘s decision to dismantle the program marks a significant shift in the nation’s immigration strategy. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the program was “abused” and led to the entry of “poorly vetted illegal aliens.”
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, DHS has moved quickly to revoke work authorizations and other legal permissions for those enrolled in the program.
Immigrants affected by the termination have been urged to “self-deport” through the DHS’s Home Mobile App, with the promise of a $1,000 bonus to assist with reintegration upon arrival in their home countries.
This decision has sparked widespread debate, with advocates for the immigrants arguing that they had already undergone extensive vetting and had contributed significantly to sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
The Broader Impact of the CHNV Program’s Termination
The end of the CHNV parole program could have a far-reaching impact on various industries across the U.S. According to industry experts, sectors that rely on immigrant labour, including farming and hospitality, are likely to experience significant labour shortages.
Many businesses have expressed concerns over the potential loss of long-term workers who were essential to their operations. In a statement, President Trump highlighted the detrimental effect his administration’s deportation policies could have on industries struggling to replace undocumented workers.
The cancellation of this program is not an isolated move. It is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from countries such as Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Nepal, marking a continued crackdown on immigration protections.
