At Canero Fadul Reis Law, we strive to keep our clients and prospects well-informed about significant developments in immigration law. Today, we bring to your attention an important update regarding the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent actions concerning the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela mass-parole program.
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), has announced that DHS has temporarily suspended the mass-parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) due to widespread fraud concerns. This suspension follows an internal report highlighting substantial irregularities, including the misuse of social security numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. According to Fox News' Adam Shaw, the report revealed:
100,948 forms were filled out by 3,218 serial sponsors, each sponsoring 20 or more forms.
24 of the 1,000 most used numbers belonged to deceased individuals.
100 physical addresses were used between 124 and 739 times on over 19,000 forms.
Chairman Green's statement underscores that this suspension validates long-standing warnings about the CHNV program's vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. He emphasized the need for stricter vetting processes for both the inadmissible aliens seeking entry and their sponsors.
You can read the official announcement here.
Background on the CHNV Mass-Parole Program
The Immigration and Nationality Act allows parole for otherwise inadmissible aliens on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. However, since the CHNV program's launch in January 2023, nearly 500,000 inadmissible aliens have entered the U.S. through this program. Recent disclosures indicate that over 50 airport locations have processed these individuals.
Further, as of mid-October 2023, 1.6 million inadmissible aliens were awaiting travel authorizations under the CHNV program, with DHS confirming that all individuals paroled are, by definition, inadmissible. The program has also facilitated entry from over 70 other countries beyond the original CHNV nations, suggesting that many participants may not have legitimate claims for U.S. protection.
Notably, incidents such as the March 2024 arrest of a Haitian national for aggravated rape in Massachusetts have raised serious concerns about the program's oversight and security implications.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you know is affected by this temporary suspension, we recommend staying updated with official DHS announcements and seeking legal advice to understand your options. Our team at Canero Fadul Reis Law is here to assist you through these changes and provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
FAQs
1. What is the CHNV mass-parole program? The CHNV mass-parole program allows otherwise inadmissible aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
2. Why has the program been suspended? The program has been temporarily halted due to concerns about widespread fraud, including misuse of social security numbers, addresses, and sponsorship irregularities.
3. How many people have entered the U.S. through this program? Since January 2023, nearly 500,000 inadmissible aliens have entered the U.S. through the CHNV program.
4. What should I do if I am affected by this suspension? Stay informed through official DHS announcements and seek legal advice to explore your options. Our firm can provide the necessary guidance and support.
5. Can the program be reinstated? While the current suspension is temporary, future reinstatement will depend on the resolution of the identified issues and implementation of stricter oversight measures.
For further assistance or to discuss your specific situation, please contact Canero Fadul Reis Law. We are dedicated to supporting you through these evolving immigration policies.
IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
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