DHS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS HUMANITARIAN PAROLE PROGRAMS
On January 23, 2025, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reportedly ordered a suspension of several humanitarian parole programs while the agency conducts a review, following an email directive from the acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The directive calls for an immediate halt to final decisions on applications related to these programs while the administration determines whether to terminate them. A DHS statement said the decision aims to return the humanitarian parole program to its original purpose—evaluating cases individually rather than through broad, categorical programs. The scope of the programs affected is described as “vast,” including parole programs for Ukrainians, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.
This suspension has been criticized, likening it to the administration’s broader efforts to restrict humanitarian immigration, including halting asylum access at the border and suspending the refugee program.
Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Program Halted: Among the suspended programs is the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Parole Program, which was established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to allow Ukrainians to seek temporary refuge and work in the United States. The DHS directive suspends the review and adjudication of both initial and renewal applications under U4U. While the program has not been officially terminated, the directive indicates that DHS will no longer accept new applications or renewal requests for individuals seeking to extend their parole in the United States.
Venezuelan TPS Cancellation: DHS has canceled the most recent extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. The program will now expire on either April 1 or September 10, 2025, depending on when individuals arrived in the United States.
USCIS announced that it will invalidate Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), Forms I-797 (Approval Notices), and Forms I-94 (Arrival/Departure Records) issued with an expiration date of October 2, 2026, under the previous Venezuelan TPS designation. Additionally, USCIS will issue refunds for any fees paid by affected individuals. The agency stated that further guidance regarding this matter will be provided at a later date in accordance with applicable laws. Currently, more than 300,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. rely on TPS protection.
Legal practitioners advise affected individuals currently in the U.S. to:
Be aware of their rights and stay informed about policy changes.
Avoid international travel, even with advance parole or similar travel authorizations, due to heightened scrutiny at ports of entry.
Be prepared for potential reentry denials or expedited removal proceedings. Reports indicate that some individuals seeking reentry have been asked to voluntarily depart or face detention.
Read more here.
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