On May 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled the government can temporarily disregard removal protections for migrants who entered the United States through the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) parole program. The program gives migrants form these countries protection from removal for up to two years and allows some migrants to even obtain work authorization. It’s estimated that up to half a million individuals could lose their protected status.
The decision is related to an executive order issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate the CHNV program. A group of plaintiff’s challenge the order in court, where a federal judge placed a temporary block dismantling the program. The First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the decision and is currently considering an appeal of the order itself.
SCOTUS’ ruling means that, until the appeal is processed, the DHS can revoke the protected status of migrants under the CHNV program. CHNV is one of multiple active parole programs in the U.S. immigration systems, but it’s received the largest amount of scrutiny. The other two major programs grant removal protections to Ukrainians and Afghans respectively, the latter of which will end on July 14, 2025.
The government initially appealed to SCOTUS after the First Circuit Court directed them to seek an expedited repeal of the federal court’s decision. Individuals with removal protections under the CHNV should take proactive steps to make sure their legal status complies with immigration law, especially until the First Circuit Court reaches an appeal decision. It’s currently uncertain if the government will continue pursuing the program’s termination if their appeal is denied, making it important to prepare for every possibility.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.