As federal immigration policy shifts, the following is an update on recent developments specifically related to  humanitarian parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced via the Federal Register that it would terminate the humanitarian parole programs for CHNV nationals and their immediate family members, effective April 24, 2025.  A judge ruled April 14, 2025, to enforce an emergency stay on the mass termination of CHNV parole grants and their work authorizations.  This stay was based on the lack of case-by-case basis review required by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). As of this publication, CHNV nationals are allowed to remain in the country legally.

Due to the court’s stay, Employment Authorization Documents remain valid until further notice. DHS had warned that the March 25 notice constituted “constructive knowledge” of employee ineligibility, which could trigger I-9 compliance issues if the stay is lifted. Employers should consult legal counsel before taking any adverse action based on perceived expiration or revocation of work authorization. 

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