Fact Check: First en masse termination of a humanitarian program on record
What We Know
The claim that the termination of the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) humanitarian program represents the "first en masse termination of a humanitarian program on record" is supported by multiple sources. The CHNV program allowed nearly half a million individuals from these countries to enter the U.S. legally for two years due to humanitarian reasons, primarily because of unsafe conditions in their home countries (NPR).
On May 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court permitted the Trump administration to end this program, which was described as the largest mass deportation in U.S. history by Karen Tumlin, co-counsel for the immigrants affected (NPR). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's announcement to terminate the program was characterized as a unilateral and premature decision that violated the established two-year protection promise (NPR).
Historically, humanitarian parole programs have been used by various administrations, but the abrupt termination of the CHNV program is noted as unprecedented in its scale and nature (NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible news sources and legal analyses. The NPR articles provide detailed accounts of the Supreme Court's decision and the implications of the termination of the CHNV program (NPR, NPR). The dissenting opinions from Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor highlight the potential harm to the individuals affected, emphasizing that the decision to terminate the program was made without sufficient justification (NPR).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a track record of reporting on legal and immigration issues. The dissenting opinions from Supreme Court justices also lend credibility to the claim, as they reflect a legal perspective on the consequences of the termination.
While some may argue that previous administrations have made changes to humanitarian programs, the specific context of the CHNV program's termination—being described as an "en masse" action—distinguishes it from past instances. The DHS's own statements, as reported, confirm that this was an unprecedented move (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that the termination of the CHNV humanitarian program is the "first en masse termination of a humanitarian program on record" is True. The evidence from credible sources confirms that this action was unprecedented in scale and reflects a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy regarding humanitarian parole.
