Fact Check: "Biden-era humanitarian parole program ends, forcing Haitian immigrants to self-deport."
What We Know
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of the humanitarian parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (referred to as the CHNV programs) effective March 25, 2025. This decision affects approximately 532,000 individuals who entered the United States under these programs since October 2022, granting them temporary legal status to live and work in the U.S. (DHS, 2025). According to the DHS, individuals who do not have a lawful basis to remain in the U.S. must depart by April 24, 2025, or face potential deportation (DHS, 2025; AP News, 2025).
The CHNV programs were designed to provide temporary refuge for individuals from countries experiencing significant instability and violence. However, the DHS has stated that these programs are no longer necessary to achieve border security goals and that they are inconsistent with current foreign policy objectives (Federal Register, 2025). The termination of these programs has been characterized as a shift back to stricter immigration policies, reminiscent of those implemented during the Trump administration (NPR, 2025).
Analysis
The claim that the Biden-era humanitarian parole program has ended, forcing Haitian immigrants to self-deport, is substantiated by multiple sources. The DHS's official announcement confirms the termination of the CHNV programs and outlines the implications for current parolees (DHS, 2025). The agency explicitly stated that those without lawful status must leave the U.S. before their parole expires, effectively encouraging self-deportation (AP News, 2025).
Critically assessing the reliability of these sources, the DHS is the authoritative body on immigration policy in the U.S., making its statements highly credible. The Federal Register serves as the official legal publication for federal government documents, further validating the information regarding the termination of the programs (Federal Register, 2025). Additionally, news outlets like NPR and the Associated Press provide independent reporting on the implications of these policy changes, which corroborates the DHS's announcements (NPR, 2025; AP News, 2025).
However, it is important to note that the termination of these programs has faced legal challenges, indicating that the situation may evolve as courts review the legality of the DHS's actions (NY Times, 2025). Despite this, the current status as of the announcement remains that the programs are terminated, and individuals are encouraged to self-deport.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Biden-era humanitarian parole program has ended, forcing Haitian immigrants to self-deport, is accurate. The DHS's termination of the CHNV programs directly impacts the legal status of many Haitian immigrants, compelling those without lawful status to leave the U.S. by the specified deadline. The evidence from credible sources supports this conclusion, confirming the significant policy shift and its implications for affected individuals.
Sources
- Termination of Parole Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans
- DHS revokes legal protections for 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans
- DHS revokes temporary status for 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans
- Blow to Biden-era Program Plunges Migrants Into Further Uncertainty