More than half a million migrants could soon lose their legal status in the United States, following a policy shift by the Trump administration that has sparked alarm among immigrant communities and human rights advocates. The administration is set to revoke humanitarian parole granted to migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, urging those affected to voluntarily leave the country or risk removal. The move, announced amid ongoing political pressure over border security, could force thousands to uproot their lives after months—and in some cases, years—of establishing roots in the U.S.

The revocation targets migrants who entered the U.S. under a Biden-era initiative, known as the CHNV program, offering temporary legal status and work permits to nationals from crisis-stricken countries. Officials argue that the program has become unsustainable amid record border crossings and political backlash from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. However, immigrant rights groups say the policy reversal jeopardizes vulnerable populations who fled violence, political instability, and economic turmoil in their home countries. With the April 24 deadline approaching, the administration faces mounting criticism over its evolving immigration strategy—and the human toll it may take.

Per Newsweek, a notice from the White House detailing the change says: "Parolees without a lawful basis to remain in the United States following this termination of the CHNV parole programs must depart the United States before their parole termination date.” 

Michael Bustamante, associate professor at the University of Miami and Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, reportedly said on X: "Wow. So not only did they end the new issuance of parole under the CNHV program on day 1. Looks like they're pulling the status from those who have it, adding to ranks of those with undocumented status and putting targets on their backs.”

Trump staffers said they believe the new move is cracking down on those who “abused” the Biden-era policy. 

"The termination of the CHNV parole programs, and the termination of parole for those who exploited it, is a return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First," said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, according to CBS News.