Fact Check: Biden-era humanitarian program for Haitian immigrants ends, forcing self-deportation
What We Know
The Biden administration's humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) has officially been terminated as of March 25, 2025. This decision affects approximately 532,000 individuals who were granted temporary legal status to live and work in the United States under this program. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), those whose parole has not expired must leave the U.S. by April 24, 2025, unless they have a lawful basis to remain (DHS, Federal Register). The program was designed to allow individuals fleeing instability in their home countries to enter the U.S. legally, but the termination of this program means that many will face self-deportation if they cannot secure alternative legal status.
The DHS has emphasized that "parole is inherently temporary," and that this program was initially established to provide a legal pathway for those in dire circumstances, but it has now been deemed unnecessary for achieving border security goals (DHS, AP News).
Analysis
The termination of the CHNV parole program has been met with significant backlash from immigrant advocacy groups and legal challenges. Critics argue that this decision will lead to chaos and hardship for families who relied on the program for legal status in the U.S. (AP News, NPR). The program had allowed individuals to apply for work permits and live without fear of deportation, but with its end, many are left vulnerable.
Legal experts note that while the DHS has the authority to terminate such programs, the abrupt nature of this decision raises concerns about the treatment of those affected. The program's termination has already been challenged in court, with a preliminary injunction issued to stay parts of the termination notice (USCIS). This indicates ongoing legal disputes regarding the rights of those who entered under the program and the implications of the termination.
The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, with official statements from the DHS and reputable news outlets providing the information. However, the framing of the issue can vary, with some sources focusing on the humanitarian implications while others emphasize the legal and security rationale behind the termination.
Conclusion
The claim that the Biden-era humanitarian program for Haitian immigrants has ended, forcing self-deportation, is True. The termination of the CHNV parole program has been officially enacted, and those affected are now facing the reality of losing their legal status in the U.S. without alternative pathways to remain. The implications of this decision are significant, as it affects hundreds of thousands of individuals who relied on this program for safety and stability.
Sources
- DHS Issues Notices of Termination for the CHNV Parole Program
- Litigation-Related Update on CHNV - USCIS
- Termination of Parole Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans
- Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Haiti
- DHS revokes legal protections for 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans
- DHS revokes temporary status for 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans
- Blow to Biden-era Program Plunges Migrants Into Further
- Haitian immigrants in Wisconsin lose legal status, encouraged to self-deport immediately
