A recent policy shift by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is creating chaos for thousands of immigrants, including Wendy (Wendsy) Desrivieres, a Haitian national who has been living in Missouri under a parole program. The new decision to terminate specific parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has left many individuals, including Desrivieres, facing sudden deportation.
Desrivieres, who initially planned to stay in the United States until 2026, now finds himself forced to leave by April 2024, a year earlier than expected. This abrupt end to his two-year stay has left him and many others scrambling to figure out their next steps. The termination of these programs directly affects over 530,000 individuals who have received similar deportation notices.
Desrivieres’ journey to the U.S. began over a decade ago when he met Pastor Ralph Morris and his wife, Diana, through a mission program. The Morris family, who have led VCU Church in Ray County for 34 years, became his sponsors, offering him a place in their family. “They replaced my mom and dad,” Desrivieres said, recalling the tragic loss of both his parents at a young age. Fleeing escalating violence in Haiti, he came to the U.S. under the Refugee Parole Program, believing that he would have at least two years to build a stable life.
Unfortunately, the policy change has thrown his future into uncertainty. Desrivieres, who has a full-time job, a Social Security card, and a permanent residence, followed all the required immigration procedures. He completed immigration interviews, fingerprinting, and provided the necessary documentation. Yet, despite his compliance with the law, he now faces deportation without clear explanation.
Pastor Morris, who has been a strong advocate for Desrivieres, expressed frustration over the sudden policy change. “We’ve done everything legally,” he said, emphasizing that Desrivieres arrived through a government-sanctioned program and adhered to all legal requirements.
Adding to the complication is the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Haiti since August 2023, which has made it nearly impossible for many individuals to secure visas through other legal channels. With the looming deportation deadline, Desrivieres’ future hangs in the balance, along with the futures of countless others affected by the termination of the parole program.
As the situation unfolds, families across the U.S. are left grappling with the far-reaching consequences of this sudden policy shift. Desrivieres, like many others, now faces an uncertain future, relying on faith and the support of those around him as he navigates this challenging time.
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