The US President Donald Trump's administration has revoked the temporary legal status of 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision is seen as another step in Trump's efforts to strengthen his anti-immigration policy.
Cancellation of the "parole" program
This measure will take effect on April 24 and will terminate the "parole" program that allows immigrants with sponsors in the US to enter by air before its expiration.
According to Reuters, this decision was noted in a document published on Friday and is expected to be announced in the Federal Register on Monday.
Trump's immigration policy
Since taking office, Donald Trump has pursued a strict policy of deporting illegal immigrants.
He has characterized the "parole" programs introduced by the Biden administration as violations of federal law and has called for their cancellation. This demand was reiterated in the executive order issued on January 20.
On March 6, Trump stated that he would soon make a decision regarding approximately 240,000 Ukrainian immigrants who arrived in the US due to the Ukraine-Russia war. According to Reuters sources, the status of Ukrainian immigrants may also be revoked in April.
Situation at the US-Mexico border is escalating
Joe Biden introduced a "parole" program for Venezuelan immigrants in 2022 and expanded this opportunity to Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans in 2023.
This decision was made at a time when the flow of illegal immigrants at the US-Mexico border has intensified. Historically, the US has had politically and diplomatically tense relations with these four countries.
What consequences will the new decision bring?
As a result of the new decision, 530,000 immigrants may be at risk of deportation. However, it is currently unclear how many of them have other legal grounds to remain in the US.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the revocation of "parole" status will facilitate the expedited deportation process for immigrants.
In accordance with the policies of the Trump era that took effect in January, some immigrants who have been in the US for two years or less may be subject to expedited deportation through the "express removal" process.
This decision by the Trump administration indicates significant changes in immigration policy. The revocation of "parole" status will have serious implications for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Additionally, the legal status of Ukrainian immigrants may also be revoked in April, which is expected to lead to further debates and disputes regarding immigration policy in the US.
