U.S. Parole Program for Migrants Expires

The Biden administration will not renew the two-year parole program that allowed migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua to enter the United States legally if they had a U.S. sponsor. Initiated in October 2022 and expanded in January 2023, the program aimed to reduce illegal border crossings but has reached its expiration, affecting about 530,000 migrants. While the program will continue to accept new applications, those reaching the end of their parole term must either seek other legal status or face deportation. Many migrants, including Venezuelans, may still qualify for other protections such as Temporary Protected Status or asylum. The decision not to renew comes amid criticisms from Republicans and immigration being a significant issue in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Despite the lapse, the program's initial objectives of providing legal entry avenues and reducing illegal crossings have seen some success, though concerns over fraud were noted earlier in the year.