The recent decision by the Trump administration to authorize the deportation of beneficiaries of the “humanitarian parole” program, often referred to as the Biden program, has sparked intense controversy.
An internal memo obtained by The New York Times reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents now have expanded authority to swiftly deport migrants admitted temporarily under these programs.
The memo, signed by the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security, outlines how ICE agents can implement expedited deportation procedures, previously limited to the southern border, for migrants admitted under two major Biden-era initiatives: the CBP One application, which allows migrants to schedule appointments for legal entry, and a program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Since 2023, approximately 1.4 million people have used these initiatives to legally enter the United States with temporary status, known as “parole.”
The measure could also affect other humanitarian programs, including those for refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine. According to The New York Times, this decision reflects Donald Trump’s determination to not only combat illegal entries but also dismantle legal pathways established by his predecessor.
The new directive has triggered a wave of outrage among migrant rights advocates and former Biden administration officials.
Tom Jawetz, a former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security, called the measure an “unprecedented betrayal” of individuals who followed the established rules. “This raises serious legal questions,” he stated, as quoted by The New York Times.
Karen Tumlin, director of the Justice Action Center, also condemned the decision: “Punishing people who followed the government’s requirements and have American sponsors is incomprehensible.” She added that communities that had generously welcomed refugees, especially from Afghanistan and Ukraine, would feel deeply betrayed by such a measure.
For Donald Trump and his advisers, this policy represents an effort to dismantle Biden-era initiatives deemed illegal. According to a senior Homeland Security official quoted by The New York Times, these measures reflect Trump’s belief that any migrant in irregular status should be deported, even if they entered through an authorized program. Stephen Miller, an influential Trump adviser, criticized these initiatives as early as 2023, stating on social media: “Don’t transport millions of illegal aliens into small towns in the heart of America.”
The directive empowers ICE agents to revoke migrants’ temporary status, bypass immigration courts, and accelerate their deportation. It specifically targets those who have exceeded the two-year limit or have not yet initiated asylum proceedings. These procedures have already faced legal challenges from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the measures violate federal law.
“This illegal policy is designed to advance a mass deportation agenda,” said Anand Balakrishnan, an ACLU attorney, as reported by The New York Times.
This decision could thrust many families into uncertainty, particularly those who fled dangerous situations. Migrants who believed they were legally protected may now be forced to return to unstable and unsafe countries.
The Trump administration’s push to strengthen U.S. immigration policy seems to be reshaping the landscape for thousands of migrants. According to The New York Times, if implemented, this measure could have significant humanitarian and legal consequences. It remains unclear whether legal actions have already been initiated against this measure revealed by The New York Times.