Federal Judge Blocks Trump-Era Attempt to End CHNV Humanitarian Parole Protections

A federal judge in Massachusetts has halted the Trump administration’s effort to strip deportation protections and work permits from more than 500,000 individuals, including thousands of Haitians who legally entered the United States under the CHNV humanitarian parole program — widely known as the ‘Biden Program.’

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued the decision on Monday, just days before the administration’s scheduled April 24 deadline to end the program. Her ruling safeguards migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, allowing them to remain in the country as they pursue long-term immigration relief.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argued that it held sweeping authority to revoke parole status. However, Judge Talwani disagreed. In her 41-page opinion, she ruled that DHS cannot terminate parole or work permits without individualized review and clear justification. Her ruling makes it clear: immigration authorities are not above judicial oversight.

The legal challenge — Svitlana Doe v. Noem — was filed last month by Justice Action Center and Human Rights First, on behalf of parole recipients and their U.S.-based sponsors. Haitian Bridge Alliance also joined the lawsuit, citing broader concerns about the dismantling of other humanitarian initiatives like Uniting for Ukraine, Central American Minors Parole, and Military Parole-in-Place.

The lawsuit also challenges DHS directives to halt processing of pending applications and eliminate alternative pathways that provide similar humanitarian relief.

“This ruling is a major step toward justice for the hundreds of thousands of people who trusted this legal pathway and followed every rule,” said Karen Tumlin, founder of Justice Action Center.

Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance, echoed the significance of the ruling:

“Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors will sleep easier tonight. This decision pushes back against efforts to criminalize and marginalize our people. We’re proud to stand with the communities we serve in the fight for dignity, freedom, and lawful protection.”

For the Haitian-American community and allies advocating for immigrant justice, this ruling is a pivotal victory — reaffirming the importance of legal protections for those seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life in the United States.

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