U.S. Halts Immigration Applications for Ukraine, Latin American Migrants

The Trump administration has implemented an indefinite freeze on immigration applications from migrants who entered the U.S. under specific Biden-era programs, including those for Ukrainians and migrants from Latin America, citing concerns over fraud and national security. This administrative pause affects pending benefit requests linked to the Uniting for Ukraine program and the CHNV program, which allowed migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. legally. Officials have stated that this decision aims to improve vetting procedures and address potential public safety issues. The move creates uncertainty for many migrants who were in the process of applying for legal residency. Previously, the Trump administration had already halted new entries under these programs, and this latest action further restricts those already permitted entry. The Biden administration had utilized the parole system extensively to encourage lawful migration, a strategy the Trump administration claims was misused.