A major immigration court ruling has delivered important legal protection to more than 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—individuals who entered the United States legally through the Biden administration’s CHNV parole program. On April 14, a federal judge determined that the Trump administration cannot revoke their immigration parole status without a full, case-by-case review.
This decision blocks a planned policy that would have stripped legal status from migrants who followed every requirement of the CHNV humanitarian parole program, which was launched in January 2023. The program was created to reduce irregular migration at the southern border and offer safer, lawful entry to qualifying individuals. It has provided a temporary two-year stay in the U.S. for those who passed background and health checks, secured a financial sponsor, and arranged their own travel.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we know how important this decision is for families across Connecticut. Many people entered the U.S. legally through the CHNV program and have worked hard to follow every rule. Taking away their status without reviewing each case would be unfair and harmful. This court ruling helps protect those rights—and gives people more time and peace of mind.
If you or someone you know is affected by this policy or unsure about their immigration status, we’re here to help. Call our office at (203) 753-7300 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.
What Is the CHNV Parole Program?
The parole program—short for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—was created to offer migrants from those countries a temporary two-year legal stay in the U.S. Each person had to:
– Pass background and health checks
– Secure a financial sponsor in the U.S.
– Arrange their own travel
This process allowed individuals to enter the country lawfully and with dignity, offering an alternative to dangerous and irregular migration routes. On average, 30,000 individuals per month entered under the program since its launch.
What Did the Trump Administration Try to Do?
In late March, the Trump administration signaled its plan to terminate the CHNV program by April 24. Migrants who had entered the U.S. legally under this policy were told they would have to leave or face deportation—even if they were still within their two-year parole window.
The plan, announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, triggered widespread concern and confusion, especially for those who had complied with all legal requirements and built temporary lives in the U.S. based on the legal protections they were granted.
The administration’s proposal would have ended legal status in bulk, without any case-by-case consideration—placing hundreds of thousands of people at immediate risk of deportation.
What Did the Court Rule?
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, based in Boston, issued a decision that stopped the plan from moving forward. She made it clear that:
– The administration cannot revoke parole status without reviewing each case individually
– DHS cannot enforce self-deportation deadlines based on a program-wide termination
– The termination plan violates the rule of law by ignoring the rights of people who followed the system lawfully
Judge Talwani wrote:
“The early termination, without any case-by-case justification, of legal status for noncitizens who have complied with DHS programs and entered the country lawfully undermines the rule of law.”
Her ruling blocks deportation notices, suspends enforcement based on the April 24 deadline, and prevents blanket cancellation of parole status. This decision ensures that individuals who complied with every requirement of the program are not punished arbitrarily.
What Does This Mean for CHNV Parole Recipients?
If you or a loved one came to the U.S. under the CHNV program, this ruling is a significant legal victory. It means:
– Your parole status remains valid, unless DHS reviews your case individually and provides justification for termination
– You do not need to self-deport
– DHS cannot arrest or remove you solely based on the April 24 deadline
– You may still be eligible to pursue longer-term immigration benefits, such as asylum or adjustment of status, depending on your circumstances
This ruling does not guarantee permanent status—but it preserves the rights and dignity of those currently living under legal protection.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are a CHNV parole recipient or are sponsoring someone under this program, it is important to stay informed and prepared. Here are steps you should take now:
– Keep documentation updated: Hold onto all paperwork proving your lawful entry, sponsorship, and compliance with the parole program.
– Know your legal options: Parole is temporary, but other legal pathways—like asylum, TPS (Temporary Protected Status), or adjustment of status—may be available.
– Consult an immigration attorney: An experienced immigration lawyer can evaluate your case and help you determine your best course of action moving forward.
How The Law Offices of James A. Welcome Can Help
Our firm has been on the frontlines of immigration law in Connecticut for over 20 years. We understand how quickly immigration policies can change—and how much is at stake for our clients. If you are concerned about your status under the CHNV parole program, we’re here to help.
We offer legal services for:
– Parole recipients exploring next steps
– Asylum applications
– Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
– Adjustment of status
– Removal defense
– Sponsorship support and guidance
If you or someone you care about is affected by this ruling or is currently facing uncertainty about immigration status, now is the time to seek trusted legal guidance. Changes in immigration policy can happen quickly, and staying ahead of those changes with the right legal support is essential.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we are committed to defending your rights and helping you make informed decisions about your future. Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to provide strategic guidance, explain your options clearly, and ensure that your legal protections are preserved.
Call us at (203) 753-7300 to schedule a confidential consultation.
You can also learn more at www.welcomelawfirm.com.
We proudly serve clients across Connecticut with offices in Danbury, Waterbury, Hartford, Bridgeport, and Norwalk, and offer services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Let our team stand with you—because your future deserves a strong legal advocate.