DHS Orders 500,000 Immigrants to Leave United States

DHS Terminates Parole Program for Hundreds of Thousands

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken a significant step by sending termination notices to over 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. On June 12, DHS announced that the temporary permission to live and work in the United States under the CHNV parole program, initiated during the previous administration, has been revoked. This action affects hundreds of thousands of nationals from these four countries who must now leave the country immediately if they have not obtained another lawful status.

The move follows a Supreme Court ruling on May 30, which allowed the Trump administration to end the Biden-era humanitarian parole program. DHS emphasized that recipients of these notices, delivered via email, are no longer shielded from deportation and must comply with the directive to depart. This policy shift underscores a firm stance on immigration enforcement, prioritizing adherence to legal pathways for residency.

Impact on Affected Nationals and Legal Implications

The termination of the CHNV parole program impacts approximately 532,000 individuals, as reported by DHS earlier this year. These nationals, previously granted temporary legal status to remain in the U.S., now face the urgent need to either secure an alternative legal status or self-deport. The notices explicitly state that failure to leave could result in further enforcement actions, aligning with the administration's commitment to uphold immigration laws.

This decision has been in progress since earlier announcements in March, when DHS began notifying affected individuals in batches. The scale of this operation, covering such a large number of people, highlights the administration's focus on addressing programs that allowed temporary stays without a clear path to permanent residency. The Supreme Court's ruling provided the legal backing for this revocation, reinforcing federal authority over immigration policy.

Administration's Stance on Immigration Enforcement

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the administration has made it clear that immigration enforcement is a top priority. The revocation of the CHNV parole program is seen as a necessary step to ensure that only those with lawful status remain in the country. DHS has reiterated that this action is not arbitrary but rooted in a commitment to public safety and legal integrity.

The policy change sends a strong message to both current parolees and local jurisdictions about the federal government's resolve to enforce immigration laws. As DHS continues to process these termination notices, the focus remains on ensuring compliance while maintaining order at the nation's borders. This move is part of a broader effort to address past policies that the administration views as inconsistent with long-term national interests.