The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enacted an indefinite pause on all immigration applications filed by or on behalf of individuals in multiple parole programs, per a recently reported DHS internal memo. Programs affected include the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) and Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) parole programs.
Background
Under the Biden administration, DHS implemented new immigration programs for Ukrainians, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. These programs allowed individuals to be “paroled” into the United States, thus giving access to work and travel authorization benefits.
On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration directed DHS by Executive Order to terminate all “categorical” parole programs, such as the CHNV program.
On January 24, 2025, DHS issued guidance to identify all categorical parole programs to be terminated. Along with CHNV, the programs named were: United for Ukraine (U4U); Operations Allies Welcome (OAW); Family Reunification Parole (FRP); Safe Mobility Office (SMO); and Central American Minor (CAM).
While the January 20, 2025 Executive Order paused acceptance of new applications for these programs, it did not directly address how individuals with current parole may be affected—for example, those currently holding a valid Advance Parole travel document (Form I-512).
New updates regarding U4U and CHNV parole
The recently reported DHS memo signals major, immediate changes to U4U and CHNV programs. DHS has indicated its “administrative pause” applies to all “pending immigration benefits” for U4U and CHNV parolees.
Critically, this pause extends to all “pending benefits requests” for U4U and CHNV parolees. For example, the pause would also apply to adjudications of an asylum application, permanent residence application (except for Cubans), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application, or work permit application.
DHS has also noted the pause is indefinite, citing concerns of fraud, national security, and public safety.
The indefinite pause on final adjudications of all pending immigration benefits for U4U and CHNV parolees limits their ability to change to another immigration status (such as TPS). It also limits the ability to obtain final adjudications on pending work permit applications, which may leave individuals without work authorization.
If the Trump Administration terminates parole status for these programs, U4U and CHNV parolees would be susceptible to removal from the United States. Vialto will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as DHS provides further guidance.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or
alternatively:
Manish Daftari
Partner
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