Judge Halts Trump’s Plan to Suspend Biden-Era Migrant Parole Programs

A federal judge has dealt a significant setback to the Trump administration’s push to dismantle Biden-era humanitarian parole programs, preserving temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Afghanistan, Latin America, and Ukraine. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts ordered the administration to continue processing work permit applications and status renewals for these migrants, rejecting claims that suspending the programs fell within the government’s immigration policy discretion.

Legal Protections Upheld
Judge Talwani, appointed by former President Barack Obama, emphasized that federal law requires the Department of Homeland Security to follow a thorough process for granting or denying parole. Her ruling certified a nationwide class, temporarily shielding migrants in these programs as the case moves forward. She underscored the public interest, stating, “It is not in the public interest to render hundreds of thousands of individuals unlawfully present, unable to work or provide for their families.”

Human Stories at Stake
Among those protected are migrants who served alongside the U.S. military, including translators who risked their lives and joined the military to secure lawful status for their families. Talwani highlighted the harm of family separation, particularly for those currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. The parole programs, established under President Joe Biden, allowed migrants with U.S. sponsors to enter and remain in the country for two years.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
The Trump administration, through an executive order signed on January 20, sought to terminate all categorical parole programs from the Biden era as part of a broader immigration crackdown. This follows a previous attempt to revoke parole and work authorizations for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, which Talwani also blocked last month, insisting on case-by-case evaluations. The administration has escalated the issue to the Supreme Court.

Advocates Celebrate
Anwen Hughes of Human Rights First praised the ruling, stating, “This reaffirms the government’s obligation to respect the rights of parole beneficiaries and the Americans who’ve welcomed them.” The decision ensures continued processing of applications, offering relief to communities and families awaiting clarity.