The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently made a significant announcement, sending termination notices to over 500,000 illegal immigrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti who are currently residing unlawfully in the United States. These individuals have been instructed to leave the country immediately, with their work permits being revoked as well.
The decision to terminate parole for these individuals comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Biden administration-era parole program to be brought to an end under the Trump administration. More than half a million individuals from the mentioned countries were granted protection from deportation under this program.
In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the administration’s concerns about the impact of allowing these individuals to remain in the country. She emphasized that the parole program had facilitated the entry of poorly vetted aliens and their family members, providing them with opportunities to compete for American jobs at the expense of American workers. By terminating the program, the department aims to restore public safety and prioritize the interests of American citizens.
Additionally, DHS has encouraged illegal immigrants to voluntarily self-deport using the Customs and Border Protection mobile app. Those who choose to do so will receive a $1,000 “exit bonus” from the U.S. government, and any fines previously imposed on them will be revoked. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated the importance of complying with immigration laws and emphasized the consequences of remaining in the country illegally.
The Supreme Court’s decision to support the revocation of the parole program reflects the administration’s stance on temporary protections granted to individuals fleeing turmoil in their home countries. The Justice Department argued that these protections were always intended to be temporary and that the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to revoke them without interference from the courts.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration and uphold the rule of law in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and ensuring that those who enter the country do so through legal channels.