WASHINGTON (TDI): The Biden administration had announced that it will not renew a temporary humanitarian entry program for hundreds of thousands of migrants who arrived in the United States (US) in recent years.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela entered the U.S. by air since October 2022 under the “parole” program, which will begin to expire in the coming weeks.
While the parole program will not be extended, it will continue to accept new applications from individuals abroad.
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Many migrants currently in the U.S. may still be able to remain under other immigration programs.
The parole program was designed to provide legal pathways for migrants and reduce illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Although illegal crossings reached record highs during Biden’s presidency, they have significantly declined in recent months following the introduction of new border restrictions.
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Immigration is a key issue ahead of the November 5 election, where Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris will compete against Republican Donald Trump, who has criticized the parole program.
DHS spokesperson Naree Ketudat indicated that the decision not to renew the program is consistent with the initial plan outlined when it was launched.
