The Department of Homeland Security has initiated the revocation of temporary permission for hundreds of thousands of individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to live and work in the United States under the humanitarian parole program. Since October 2022, about 532,000 people were granted two-year permits to reside and work in the U.S. with financial sponsors. The recent notifications inform recipients that their legal status and work permits have been immediately revoked, urging them to depart using the CBP Home app and offering travel assistance and $1,000 upon return to their home countries.

Former President Trump’s pledge to end what he termed the “broad abuse” of humanitarian parole, a tool used by presidents to temporarily admit individuals from countries facing turmoil, led to the termination of this program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Despite legal challenges, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to proceed with revoking these protections. Immigration advocates have voiced concerns over the impact of this decision on over half a million individuals who followed the rules, underwent security screenings, and started rebuilding their lives.

One such individual, a Cuban mother named Zamora, arrived in the U.S. in 2023 under sponsorship but now faces fears of deportation. While exploring legal avenues to stay in the country, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act for obtaining a green card, she remains cautious about her uncertain future. Zamora’s story reflects the apprehension and uncertainty faced by many affected individuals as they navigate the complexities of immigration policies and seek stability in an ever-changing landscape.