DHS Ends Parole Programs for Certain Migrants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of parole programs for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) following Executive Order 14165, “Securing Our Borders.” DHS stated that these programs were originally intended to provide a safe and orderly pathway for individuals from these countries but have since been deemed inconsistent with current immigration policy. According to DHS, the decision to end the programs is based on a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls, reduce unauthorized border crossings, and manage the domestic impact of immigration.

With this termination, individuals currently in the U.S. under these programs will have 30 days from the official publication date in the Federal Register to depart the country unless they have applied for and received another form of lawful immigration status. If they do not leave by the deadline, they may face enforcement actions, including removal. DHS has emphasized that parole was always intended to be a temporary status, and its termination aligns with federal immigration law.

This change has direct implications for employers, particularly in industries that have relied on CHNV workers, such as hospitality, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. As the workplace immigration landscape shifts, HR professionals must stay ahead of compliance requirements and workforce planning challenges.