This decision marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, affecting over half a million immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered under the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program.
Key Points:
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Who is affected? About 532,000 immigrants from these four nations.
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Deadline: They must leave the U.S. by April 24, 2025, unless they obtain another legal status.
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Official Order: Legal protections end 30 days after publication in the Federal Register (expected Tuesday).
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Reason for Termination: The Department of Homeland Security emphasizes that the program was always temporary and not a path to permanent residency.
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Political Context:
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President Donald Trump has vowed mass deportations, making immigration restrictions a core part of his 2025 agenda.
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Biden’s humanitarian parole program was initially framed as an alternative to chaotic border crossings.
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What Happens Next?
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Immigrant advocacy groups (e.g., Welcome.US) urge affected individuals to seek legal advice immediately.
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The decision could fuel legal challenges and protests from immigrant rights organizations.
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Latin American nations may react strongly, especially Venezuela, Haiti, and Cuba, which have struggled with political and economic crises.
