A federal judge has intervened to prevent the Trump administration from ending humanitarian parole for over 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. The ruling serves as a critical setback for the administration’s efforts to reverse Biden-era immigration policies. Judge Indira Talwani criticized the government’s rationale and highlighted the risk to legal immigrants if the program were terminated. Advocates denounce the administration’s actions as undermining legal status and protections for these individuals.
In a recent court ruling, a federal judge declared she would halt the Trump administration from terminating the humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Approximately 500,000 individuals currently under this temporary legal status were at risk of deportation by April 24, 2025. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani’s decision marks a significant setback for the administration’s efforts to dismantle Biden-era immigration policies, which had provided pathways for temporary residency in the United States, typically lasting two years.
During the court proceedings, Judge Talwani expressed skepticism regarding the government’s rationale for ending humanitarian parole. She emphasized that immigrants currently holding legal status could either flee the country or remain in the U.S. while risking expulsion. Talwani criticized the administration’s interpretation of the law regarding the program, stating, “The nub of the problem here is that the secretary… has to have a reasoned decision.” She indicated that the previous agreements allowing these individuals to stay had been unjustly undermined.
Recently, the Trump administration revoked legal protections, setting the stage for the deportation of many individuals who arrived under the humanitarian parole program. These immigrants, who were financially sponsored, applied for legal permits online and paid their own flight expenses. While they were permitted to work during their stay, applicants had to explore additional legal options to extend their residency beyond the two-year limit.
Outside the courthouse, immigration advocates criticized the government’s approach, asserting that it contradicted their stated intentions regarding legal immigration. Guerline Jozef, who leads the Haitian Bridge Alliance and serves as a plaintiff in the case, remarked on the inconsistency of the administration’s narrative regarding legal versus illegal immigration. Others like Cesar Baez expressed relief, stating that the judge’s ruling offered hope for protection against potential deportation back to dangerous conditions in their home countries.
Zamora, a Cuban immigrant, described her anxiety regarding the uncertainty of her work permit status. Immigration advocates highlighted the potential consequences of the administration’s actions, suggesting that many who have undergone thorough vetting could face unjust removal from the U.S. despite having complied with legal requirements. Government representation argued in court that ending the program did not preclude consideration for other immigration options, although Judge Talwani remained skeptical of this claim.
The movement to terminate temporary protections has seen limited backlash from Republican lawmakers, save for a small group of Cuban-American representatives from Florida advocating against the deportation of Venezuelans affected. Representative Maria Salazar has also partnered with numerous congressional Democrats to support legislation that would aid these individuals in securing lawful permanent residency.
The federal court ruling to suspend the termination of humanitarian parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans represents a significant legal intervention in immigration policy. Judge Indira Talwani raised critical concerns regarding the manner and justification for revocation of status, highlighting the precarious situation faced by many immigrants. This case underscores the continuing challenges surrounding immigration law and the administrative decisions impacting vulnerable populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
