On May 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Department of Homeland Security’s emergency petition. The court gave the Donald Trump administration the power to terminate the temporary legal status granted to over 500,000 immigrants. This decision affects citizens from the following countries:
- Cubans
- Haitians
- Nicaragua
- Venezuela
These countries are home to individuals under the CHNV parole program, which has been in place since 2022.
How Did the CHNV Parole Program Come About?
In 2022, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas launched the program. It offered a two-year humanitarian stay permit to citizens of countries experiencing instability. This measure responded to the growing number of immigrants at the border with Mexico. The program allows applicants to:
- Enter the U.S. with a sponsor
- Pass a security check
- Legally reside and work in the country
However, in 2024, the department announced that it would not renew such status. With the advent of the Trump administration, this position has been reinforced. A petition was filed to cancel the program and revoke the already-issued permits.
Trial and Key Arguments
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani ruled that revoking status en masse without an individualized assessment violates the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). However, the Supreme Court froze the decision, permitting the immediate termination of humanitarian status for 532,000 individuals. Notably, Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor dissented.
The Risk of Immediate Violation of Immigration Status
Once the Supreme Court’s decision takes effect, more than 500,000 immigrants from:
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Nicaragua
- Venezuela
Those part of the CHNV program may instantly lose their legal status. This means they will become “illegal” under immigration law, raising the risk of deportation. They would also lose their right to legal employment, which could put them and their families in dire financial straits. According to the Associated Press, the decision could affect nearly one million people, including family members and sponsors. Organizations such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance have already expressed concerns about the possible impact of this decision on vulnerable communities.
Impact on Families and Communities
Many immigrants have children or other family members born in the U.S. or have legal status. This creates legal and emotional complexities, particularly regarding family separation. Humanitarian organizations like the Haitian Bridge Alliance have opposed the decision and are fighting it in court. At KAASS LAW, we have covered important topics such as DOJ Halts Legal Aid: Immigration Court and Who Can Apply for Asylum in the United States. These articles may be helpful to those looking for ways to maintain legal residency in the United States.
Impact on U.S. Immigration Policy
The decision reflects the growing trend of granting more executive power over immigration issues. The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed frustration that lower courts have blocked its initiatives, including a ban on entry from Muslim countries and the repeal of DACA. The Supreme Court affirms that the executive branch has broad discretion in these matters.
Legislative Grounds and Disagreement
Both the Biden and Trump administrations cited the same law, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), but interpreted it differently. Mayorkas used it to justify launching the humanitarian program, while Kristi Noem claimed she had the authority to repeal it. According to current immigration law, the DHS secretary has significant jurisdiction over temporary asylum and humanitarian status. However, it remains unclear whether statuses that have already been issued can be revoked without procedural fairness.
What Should Affected Individuals Do?
Those already in the U.S. under the CHNV humanitarian program should immediately consult an immigration attorney. There may be alternative paths to legalization, such as:
- Filing for asylum
- Filing for family sponsorship
- Obtaining TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
- Appearing in court with the help of legal organizations
Possible Legal Defense Strategies
Attorneys may use the procedural violations identified by Judge Talwani as grounds for appeal. In addition, arguments related to:
- Violation of the Fifth Amendment
- Lack of individualized evaluation
- Circumventing Congress by exceeding DHS’s authority
Relationship to Other Immigration Measures
The Supreme Court’s decision to revoke the temporary legal status of more than 500,000 migrants closely resembles other immigration initiatives the court has approved recently. For instance, the court has previously upheld a ban on entry to the U.S. for citizens of predominantly Muslim countries. The court has also authorized the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Central Americans. These actions reflect a consistent trend of tightening federal immigration policy. Furthermore, the decision confirms that the Supreme Court consistently upholds the executive branch’s ability to enact strict immigration measures without congressional approval.
Political Significance and Reactions
The Supreme Court’s decision also has a strong political impact. It raises questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branches and about ethical responsibility in the context of humanitarian policy. Representatives of both parties have already expressed opposing views, and this issue could become a focal point of the 2024–2025 presidential campaign.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision will significantly impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. The decision confirms the expansion of executive authority over immigration and jeopardizes the legal status of 500,000 individuals. In the face of such legal uncertainty, knowledgeable legal guidance is essential. Contact us if you or a loved one qualifies for the program. Call 844-522-7752 for a consultation, we can help you understand your situation and determine the best legal steps to protect your rights.