The DHS has revoked temporary legal protections for 532,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, effective April 24. This policy follows previous immigration restrictions and poses potential deportation risks. Advocates express concerns about its humanitarian impact and legal challenges are underway.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the revocation of legal protections for approximately 532,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These individuals, who arrived in the United States since October 2022 under a humanitarian parole program, will lose their legal status by April 24, following the publication of the decision in the Federal Register. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated this action will lead to potential deportation for those affected.

The affected individuals received temporary permits to live and work in the U.S. with financial sponsorships. The new policy responds to a similar decision made by the previous Trump administration, which criticized the humanitarian parole program as being subject to misuse. DHS emphasized that individuals without lawful immigration status must leave the United States before the end of their parole.

Before this ruling, beneficiaries were allowed to remain until their parole expired. However, the administration ceased processing applications for asylum, visas, and other immigration requests. The decision to revoke the program is currently subject to legal challenges in federal courts, as advocacy groups have filed lawsuits aiming to restore protections for those impacted.

Legal and immigration activists have expressed serious concerns about the repercussions of this policy change. Karen Tumlin, founder of the Justice Action Center, denounced the decision as “reckless, cruel and counterproductive,” emphasizing the potential for chaos among families and communities.

Under the Biden administration, a program was established permitting up to 30,000 individuals monthly from these countries to enter the U.S. for a two-year stay, with work eligibility. The U.S. has also engaged with Mexico to accept as many deportees from these countries. However, such efforts are complicated as Cuba allows limited deportations, and Venezuela and Nicaragua do not accept them. Haiti has been receptive to some deportation flights amid significant turmoil departures from the country.

In summary, the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to revoke temporary legal status affects over 530,000 individuals from four nations, causing potential deportation. This action follows previous policies aimed at limiting immigration routes and demonstrates ongoing legal and humanitarian challenges. Activists and advocates are mobilizing against this policy, emphasizing the adverse implications for affected families and communities.

Original Source: apnews.com

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