US to not renew legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said late last week that the Biden administration will not renew the temporary humanitarian entry parole program for hundreds of thousands of migrants.
The parole program of some 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the U.S. by air in October 2022 and received two-year grants will expire in the coming weeks.
However, they can remain in the country under other programs.
President Joe Biden’s administration launched the parole program to provide migrants avenues to enter legally and decrease illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Immigration is a top voter issue in the November 5 election between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump, who has criticized the parole program.
Spokesperson Naree Ketudat stated that the decision not to renew the parole program for the four nationalities was outlined by the DHS when the program was launched.
Migrants without permission to stay will have to leave before the parole period expires.
However, parole programs for Ukrainians and Afghans have been extended.
Many Cubans are eligible for permanent residence and eventual citizenship under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act.
Haitians and Venezuelans are eligible for Temporary Protected Status, which stops their deportation.
All four nationalities could apply for asylum.