The CHNV program, initiated by the Biden administration, allowed Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter the U.S. on humanitarian parole . However, the Trump administration has terminated this program .
Here’s a summary:
- Purpose: The CHNV program was created to provide a legal pathway for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, reducing illegal border crossings .
- Operation: It allowed vetted individuals to fly into U.S. airports and be granted parole for up to two years .
- Termination: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminated the CHNV parole programs, affecting over half a million people . The termination took effect 30 days after the official notice was published .
- Reasons for Termination: The DHS argued that the program no longer aligned with U.S. immigration policy or national security goals . They also claimed it exacerbated challenges with interior enforcement of immigration laws .
- Migrant Status: Migrants had 30 days to self-deport or face arrest and deportation . The DHS will prioritize for arrest those who have failed to apply for other immigration benefits .
- Reactions: Critics argue that the termination will cause chaos and hardship for families . Supporters say it is a return to common-sense policies .
CHNV Scheme’s purpose and eligibility criteria :
The CHNV program was a humanitarian parole program established by the Biden Administration for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela . The program has been terminated, but here’s an overview of its original purpose and eligibility criteria:
- Purpose: The CHNV program allowed individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to come to the United States temporarily through a “parole” process, addressing urgent humanitarian issues in those nations . It aimed to provide a legal pathway for these nationals to live and work in the U.S. for two years, provided they had a U.S.-based sponsor .
- Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for the humanitarian parole program, individuals generally had to meet the following criteria :
- Be a national of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela.
- Reside outside the United States.
- Have a U.S.-based supporter who agrees to provide financial support.
- Pass national security and public safety vetting.
- Demonstrate that they warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.
- End of the CHNV Processes: As of January 20, 2025, the federal government ended the CHNV parole program and is no longer accepting or processing applications .
What alternatives exist now that the CHNV Scheme is terminated ?
With the termination of the CHNV program, individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as their sponsors, should explore alternative legal options . Here are some possibilities to consider:
- Family-Based Immigration: Individuals who are relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may be eligible to adjust their status .
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Haitians and Venezuelans may be eligible for TPS if they meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements . For instance, to be eligible for Haiti’s TPS, applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. since June 3, 2024, and physical presence since August 4, 2024 . Venezuelans may be eligible for TPS under the 2023 designation if they have continuous residence in the U.S. since July 31, 2023, and continuous physical presence since October 3, 2023 .
- Asylum: Individuals who have experienced past persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country may apply for asylum . Maintaining valid parole status can be considered an exception to the one-year filing deadline for asylum applications .
- U Nonimmigrant Status: Victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse may be eligible for U nonimmigrant status, especially if they have been helpful to law enforcement in investigating those crimes .
- Cuban Adjustment Act: Cuban citizens who have been paroled into the U.S. may apply for adjustment of status after being physically present in the U.S. for at least one year .
- Re-Parole: While USCIS initially indicated that re-parole was not an option for CHNV parolees, they later updated their guidance to state that it is a potential option, though without specific criteria . The new Form I-131 includes an option for those initially paroled into the U.S. to seek a new parole period .
It is important to seek legal counsel to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances ..
