Biden Administration Ends Temporary Humanitarian Program for Certain Migrants

The Biden administration has announced that it will not extend legal permissions for specific migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti under a temporary humanitarian program aimed at reducing illegal border crossings. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these migrants will now need to pursue alternative legal avenues to remain in the United States.

This decision follows nearly two years after the program was introduced to assist Venezuelans seeking to enter the U.S. It allowed these migrants to temporarily live and work in the country, aiming to alleviate surges at the southern border. Under the program, participants were required to have a sponsor in the U.S., undergo background checks, and complete necessary vaccinations.

The initiative was later expanded to include migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti, with the administration presenting it as a means for migrants to enter the U.S. in an orderly fashion. However, the program has sparked significant political controversy, particularly among Republicans who argue that the administration has misused its parole authority. They have frequently cited this program as a point of criticism against President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

As of the end of August, nearly 530,000 migrants from these four countries had arrived in the U.S. under the program, according to federal data. While the program remains open to new applicants, it was temporarily suspended earlier this summer due to concerns about fraudulent applications.

DHS officials have emphasized that the program was intended to be temporary, designed to give migrants a chance to apply for other legal statuses while in the U.S. Although the administration did allow re-parole for Ukrainians and Afghans under similar programs, it did not guarantee an extension for the program concerning migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti.

With parole for certain Venezuelans set to expire soon, the issue of immigration is poised to become a central topic in the upcoming election, particularly between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

A Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “As initially noted in the Federal Register notices, a grant of parole under these processes was for a temporary period of up to two years.” This timeline was meant to facilitate individuals in seeking humanitarian relief or other immigration benefits while allowing them to work and contribute to the U.S.

As protections gradually lapse, those who haven’t secured other legal permissions will be directed to apply for alternative statuses, leave the country, or potentially face deportation, leaving many in a precarious legal situation.

While Venezuelans and Haitians are eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — a form of humanitarian relief — Nicaraguans lack similar options. Asylum remains available for all nationalities, but not all applicants qualify. The recent decision has drawn criticism from House Homeland Security Committee Republicans, who contended that various pathways still exist for these migrants to remain in the U.S.