Trump admin blocked from revoking status of more than 500,000 migrants by federal judge

A federal judge has issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration from revoking the legal status and work permits of over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the United States during former President Joe Biden’s tenure. The migrants arrived in the U.S. under Biden’s controversial CHNV mass humanitarian parole program.

Judge Indira Talwani, an Obama appointee, emphasized the need for individualized, case-by-case reviews for each migrant before any action is taken to revoke their parole status and work authorization. The decision comes as a setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate the CHNV parole programs without proper scrutiny.

The Biden administration introduced the CHNV program in 2023 through executive parole authority, initially targeting Venezuelans before expanding to include other countries. The program aimed to curb illegal border crossings and enhance vetting procedures for migrants entering the country amid a surge in immigration.

However, the program faced temporary suspension due to widespread fraud and several instances of recipients being involved in serious crimes, including child rapes. Under CHNV, migrants and their immediate family members were allowed to fly into the U.S. with American sponsors and remain in the country for two years under temporary parole status.

The recent court ruling highlights the contentious debate over executive authority and immigration policies between the Biden and Trump administrations. While Biden’s team justified the program as a necessary measure to address immigration challenges, critics argue that it undermines proper vetting procedures and border security.

The decision to stay the termination of parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrants underscores the complexity of immigration policies and the need for thorough review processes. The legal battle surrounding the CHNV program reflects broader concerns about immigration reform and the balance between humanitarian considerations and national security interests.

As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address the implications of the court’s ruling and navigate the complexities of immigration policy in the United States. The ongoing debate over the CHNV program underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding immigration reform in the country.