Fact Check: Biden-era humanitarian program for Haitian immigrants abruptly terminated, forcing self-deportation
What We Know
The Biden administration established a humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) to allow individuals from these countries to enter the United States due to dire conditions in their home countries. However, as of March 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of this program, which affects approximately 532,000 individuals who had been paroled into the U.S. under this policy (Federal Register). The termination means that those who do not have a lawful basis to remain in the U.S. must leave before their parole expires, effectively forcing many to self-deport (Voice of America).
Analysis
The termination of the CHNV parole program has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources, including the DHS and major news outlets like NPR and the Associated Press. The DHS stated that the program was being terminated due to concerns about its effectiveness in achieving border security goals and the domestic effects of illegal immigration (NPR). The announcement included a directive that individuals whose parole has not expired must depart the U.S. by April 24, 2025, unless they secure lawful status (Federal Register).
The claim that this termination forces self-deportation is supported by the fact that the DHS is notifying parolees that they must leave the U.S. if they do not have another legal status to remain (Voice of America). Furthermore, the termination of the program has been characterized as a significant policy shift, reflecting a broader change in immigration strategy under the current administration (CBS News).
While some sources may exhibit political bias, the information regarding the termination of the program and its implications for the affected individuals is corroborated by official government announcements and multiple independent news reports.
Conclusion
The claim that the Biden-era humanitarian program for Haitian immigrants was abruptly terminated, forcing self-deportation, is True. The termination of the CHNV parole program has been officially announced by the DHS, and affected individuals are required to leave the U.S. if they do not secure lawful status before the expiration of their parole.
