The Biden administration has made a significant decision regarding the legal status of migrants who entered the United States through a controversial parole program. As reported by CBS News, officials have confirmed that they will not be extending the legal status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan nationals and others from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua, who utilized the program.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that migrants must seek different immigration statuses or prepare to leave the U.S., stating, “a grant of parole under these processes was for a temporary period of up to two years.”
Initially implemented for Venezuelans in October 2022 and later extended to other nationalities, the program allowed migrants to enter the U.S. via the CBP One app, provided they passed background checks and had a sponsor.
This measure was part of the administration’s effort to create “lawful pathways” to manage the border crisis effectively. However, it faced sharp criticism from Republicans, who labeled it an abuse of parole, which they argue should be reserved for urgent humanitarian needs.
The program was paused earlier this year due to reported instances of fraud, but it was later resumed after additional vetting measures were introduced.
Contrary to expectations of an extension of the parole status, the administration’s recent actions hint at a shuffle in its immigration policies as the 2024 election approaches. This has already incited anger among immigration advocates, who see a shift away from more liberal policies.
Even though the administration backed a bipartisan border security bill earlier this year, it failed to pass. Following this, the President signed an order limiting asylum entries, which resulted in a notable decrease in border arrivals.
Current polling indicates that immigration remains a pivotal issue for voters, with former President Trump reportedly leading in this area. The Vice President has been engaged in a public feud with Trump over border security, further emphasizing the contentious nature of the Biden administration’s approach to immigration as the election looms.
