The End of CHNV Parole: A Major Shift in Immigration Policy

On June 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) resumed formal termination of the humanitarian parole program for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (commonly known as the CHNV parole program), following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to lift a previous injunction. This blog breaks down what that means, who is affected, how we got here, and what your legal options might be.

The CHNV program was a lifeline for thousands of individuals fleeing political persecution, economic instability, and gang violence. It allowed people from these four countries to enter the U.S. legally, remain temporarily, and apply for work permits while building safe and stable lives. The sudden decision to terminate the program has left many in a state of confusion and fear, unsure of their next steps or legal rights.

What is the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program?

The CHNV parole program began under the Biden administration in January 2023 as a targeted humanitarian effort to manage migration more safely and orderly. Under this program, individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were granted temporary permission to enter the United States for up to two years, provided they met certain eligibility requirements. These included:

• Having a financial sponsor in the U.S.
• Passing rigorous background checks and health screenings
• Applying through the CBP One app (or other DHS-approved methods)
• Agreeing to arrive by air rather than crossing the border unlawfully

The idea behind CHNV was to reduce the dangerous, irregular crossings at the southern border by offering a safer and legal pathway for vulnerable populations. Many CHNV parolees entered the U.S. under this program and were issued work permits, allowing them to live with dignity, support their families, and contribute to the economy while they awaited more permanent legal solutions.

The program was grounded in Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 212(d)(5), which gives DHS the authority to grant parole for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

At its peak, the CHNV parole program allowed up to 30,000 people per month to enter the U.S. from these four countries. It was hailed by immigrant advocates as a humanitarian success that saved lives, reduced border crossings, and promoted lawful entry.

What Has Changed — The Legal and Political Timeline

The CHNV program was always subject to political debate. Here's a breakdown of how it went from being a signature policy under Biden to being dismantled under Trump:

The CHNV parole program was launched in early 2023 under the Biden administration as a humanitarian effort. It quickly became a structured, vetted program allowing up to 30,000 individuals from four countries to enter legally each month.

Legal opposition to the program began in 2024, with lawsuits claiming it overstepped executive authority. These cases led to a pause in DHS enforcement in spring 2025, during the early months of the Trump administration, which had already signaled its intent to dismantle Biden-era immigration policies like CHNV, as a lower court issued an injunction to halt termination.

However, in late May 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted that injunction, and DHS resumed the termination process in early June. Notices of revocation were issued, and parole-based work permits were rescinded shortly after.

Now, no new CHNV parole entries are being accepted, and current parolees are not eligible for renewal. The shift happened rapidly—and for many, without clear options for what comes next.

As of June 12, 2025, DHS has made it clear that no new CHNV parole applications will be accepted, and current parolees will not be eligible for renewal. This marks a dramatic shift in policy with wide-reaching consequences.

Who Is Affected by the End of CHNV Parole?

Tens of thousands of individuals and families are impacted by the termination of CHNV parole. These are people who followed the legal process, passed vetting procedures, and have tried to build a stable life in the United States.

Affected groups include:

Individuals Whose CHNV Parole Has Expired

• No longer have legal protection from deportation
• May lose eligibility for work permits and other benefits

Individuals Whose CHNV Parole Will Expire Soon

• Must prepare for the end of their legal status
• Face pressure to self-deport under DHS guidance

Mixed-Status Families

• U.S. citizen children or spouses may face separation from a CHNV parolee
• Legal complications arise when only part of the family has lawful status

Employers and Sponsors

• Businesses employing CHNV parolees may lose valuable workers
• Sponsors may be uncertain about their legal obligations

What This Means: Dates, Legal Impact, and Risks

The CHNV program officially ended through Federal Register notice on March 25, 2025, with parole and work authorization to expire by April 24, 2025. After a legal injunction briefly paused implementation, DHS resumed enforcement on June 12, 2025 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.

For individuals whose CHNV parole has already expired or is nearing expiration:

• You are no longer protected from removal — once your parole ends, you may be subject to detention and deportation.
• Work permits will expire — you must stop working legally once your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is no longer valid.
• Reentry becomes impossible — if you leave the U.S., you may not be allowed to return.
• Voluntary return — DHS is encouraging self-deportation via the CBP Home app and offering a $1,000 incentive to assist with travel costs.

This is not just a paperwork change. It alters the future of tens of thousands of families. It affects jobs, education, and safety. And it may place people at risk of returning to countries where their lives could be in danger.

What Are Your Legal Options After CHNV?

Despite the termination of CHNV parole, you may still have other legal paths to remain in the United States. The best option depends on your unique situation, but here are some potential routes:

Asylum

If you fear persecution or harm in your home country, you may be eligible for asylum. This is a complex process that must be started quickly — ideally before your parole expires.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Some CHNV nationals may be eligible for TPS depending on the current U.S. designation for their country. TPS provides protection from deportation and the ability to work legally.

Adjustment of Status

If you have a U.S. citizen spouse or other close relative who can file a petition for you, you may be able to pursue lawful permanent residence (a green card).

Other Humanitarian Relief

You may qualify for protections like U visas (for victims of crimes), T visas (for victims of trafficking), or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (for certain minors).

If your parole is ending soon, you should:

• Schedule a legal consultation immediately
• Collect all immigration documents and evidence of your time in the U.S.
• Avoid international travel
• Stay up-to-date with policy changes and deadlines

Rozas Is Here to Help

We understand how devastating this news is. At Rozas, our mission has always been to stand with immigrants — to offer hope, clarity, and legal strength when the system feels overwhelming.

Our experienced legal team is already working with CHNV clients across the country to protect their rights, explore new legal pathways, and fight for their future. We know how quickly things are changing, and we are here to help you respond with confidence and compassion.

Whether you need help applying for asylum, seeking TPS, or building a long-term legal strategy, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policy may change rapidly, consult with an immigration attorney to understand how this may affect your individual case.

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