Trump administration to end immigration program for four nationalities

Kumar Shivam | Mar 23, 2025, 14:36 IST

( Image credit : TOI-Online, TOIGLOBAL )

The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke an immigration program that allows Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to work legally in the United States. The decision, set to take effect by the end of April, affects over half a million migrants who had been granted relief under the Biden administration. Officials argue the program failed to improve border security, while advocacy groups condemn the move as unjust and racially motivated.

Trump administration ends CHNV immigration program

Revocation of work permits and deportation protections

The Trump administration is terminating an immigration program that has allowed 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) to live and work legally in the United States. The program, which was implemented under President Biden in 2022 and 2023, provided relief for individuals fleeing economic and political instability in their home countries.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), work permits and deportation protections will be revoked 30 days after the policy change is published in the Federal Register. Migrants will be expected to leave voluntarily or face removal by government authorities.

Trump’s immigration crackdown and border security concerns

President Trump has pursued aggressive immigration policies since taking office, emphasizing mass deportations and stricter border controls. His administration claims that the CHNV parole program failed to reduce illegal border crossings and instead placed a burden on U.S. communities.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the program was originally intended to deter illegal immigration but has instead contributed to an increase in unauthorized migrants residing in the U.S. without a path to legal status.

Legal and advocacy challenges to the policy change

Immigration advocacy groups have strongly criticized the decision, labeling it as discriminatory and harmful to vulnerable populations. Guerline Jozef, executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance, called the move a direct attack on poor, Black, and Brown migrants.

Several federal lawsuits have been filed to block the termination of related immigration programs, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which benefits hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Venezuelans. A hearing on the TPS revocation is scheduled in federal court in California.

Impact on migrants and local communities

The revocation of CHNV status is expected to have widespread consequences for affected migrants, many of whom rely on work permits to support themselves and their families. The decision could also strain local communities, as migrants lose access to housing, food assistance, and public benefits.

Parolees under the program, particularly minors, were eligible for Medicaid and food assistance. With the policy reversal, states and municipalities may face increased challenges in providing aid to displaced migrants.

The program is set to end for Venezuelans on April 3, with deportations beginning April 8. Legal battles and protests are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.