The U.S. has dramatically changed its immigration policy, requiring hundreds of thousands of migrants who received temporary legal status under the Biden administration to leave the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially announced the cancellation of the humanitarian “password” for those who entered the U.S. through the CBP One online application. These individuals are now subject to immediate deportation.
What Is CBP One And How Did It Works?
CBP One was a digital application created during the Biden administration to facilitate entry into the U.S. through the southern border. It allowed migrants from Latin America to schedule an appointment with U.S. border officials. If approved, they were temporarily legalized. Since January 2023, more than 900,000 people have entered the country through CBP One. They were allowed to
1. Reside in the U.S. for two years
2. Work through a special status known as parole. But after Donald Trump took office, the program closed to new users and renamed CBP Home.
2. Work through a special status known as parole. But after Donald Trump took office, the program closed to new users and renamed CBP Home.
New Deal: Mass Revocation Of Humanitarian Status
According to DHS, status revocation letters have been sent to many CBP One users. The exact number remains unreleased. However, the Associated Press reported that families from Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico have received similar letters. The department is urging recipients to leave the country on their own using the same application they previously used. One of the emails sent to a Honduran family began with the words, “It’s time for you to leave the United States.”
Reasons For Cancellation: “Border security and national security.”
In an official statement, the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that ending CBP One and canceling humanitarian parole is part of a tougher strategy to secure the country. “Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security.” – DHS officials noted. In doing so, the Trump administration has made good on one of its key campaign promises – stricter immigration controls and a review of all Biden-era initiatives.
Contact KAASS LAW if you or a loved one is at risk of deportation due to the cancellation of CBP One or other immigration programs.
Reaction From Human Rights Defenders And Non-Profit Organizations
Al Otro Lado, an organization that provides legal assistance to migrants, said that many of those who received revocation letters have already adapted to the United States. Some have even begun the asylum or green card process. The organization’s lawyers call the DHS action a drastic turnaround that puts the fate of tens of thousands of families in jeopardy. In addition, screenshots of the government’s letters have begun circulating in masse on social media. They are causing a wave of outrage, with many activists calling it an “inhumane decision.
End Of Humanitarian “parole” for other groups
The revocation of status for CBP One users is not the only change. In March, DHS also announced that it was ending another type of humanitarian “parole” for 532,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These people flew to the U.S. on their own with a financial sponsor. Their legal status will expire on April 24, 2025. That’s this month.
The Trump administration also began revoking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 600,000 Venezuelans and about 500,000 Haitians. However, a federal court temporarily halted this decision for a portion of the recipients, including 350,000 Venezuelans. They faced losing their status as early as Monday. TPS is typically granted for 18 months to citizens of countries affected by conflict, natural disasters, or other dangers.
What Awaits Migrants Now?
People who have lost their status can try to apply for asylum, but the process is long and difficult. In addition, they now face deportation at any time. This does not include those who are already living and working in the US. For many, this means returning to a country where they may face danger, poverty, or persecution. Those who have received “password” revocation notices should consult with an experienced immigration attorney immediately.
It is important to realize that U.S. immigration law is extremely complex and changes frequently. There is no time to waste for immigrants who have received notices from DHS, and the assistance of KAASS LAW‘s professional immigration attorneys can make all the difference in their fight to stay in the country.