The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to notify approximately 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela that they must leave the United States immediately.

This directive affects individuals who had previously been granted temporary protection from deportation under humanitarian parole, a policy enacted by the Biden administration.

Under this program, immigrants from these countries were shielded from deportation and allowed to remain in the US for a two-year period.

Former President Joe Biden expanded this program, which originates from Cold War-era policies, citing dire conditions in each of the four nations as justification for providing humanitarian support.

As of November 2024, official estimates indicate that a total of 531,670 individuals received permission to stay in the US under this provision, contributing to a reported 98% decrease in illegal crossings by citizens of these countries.

The recent announcement represents a significant policy shift and is expected to face legal challenges similar to those encountered by the previous administration's mass deportation initiatives.

The DHS has stated that the impacted individuals were thoroughly vetted and required a US-based sponsor to gain entry.

However, the Trump administration had criticized the process, alleging that it could lead to fraud and undermine American workers.

In response to the impending orders, the DHS has pledged to offer travel assistance and a $1,000 exit bonus for migrants opting to depart the US voluntarily.

The actual number of affected individuals remains unclear.

Some may have achieved legal status through other visa programs during their stay.

The Biden administration's actions on this issue are seen as part of the broader, contentious debate surrounding immigration policies in the United States.