Who Is Affected Now
The ongoing pause applies to migrants paroled into the U.S. under:
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Uniting for Ukraine (for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion)
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CHNV Program (for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans with U.S. sponsors)
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Certain Family Reunification Parole Processes (for Colombians, Ecuadorians, Central Americans, Haitians, and Cubans with U.S. relatives awaiting green cards)
Any pending application for benefits — including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, or adjustment of status (green card) — is not being processed if filed by individuals who entered through these programs.
For affected individuals, this means processing times for applications such as work authorization or adjustment of status could be significantly delayed. USCIS has not provided a specific timeline for when the review will be completed, leaving many applicants in a state of uncertainty. Migrants impacted by this pause may want to consult with an immigration attorney to understand their options and stay informed about any updates from USCIS
Why the Freeze Continues
USCIS cites concerns about:
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Fraudulent applications, including cases involving “serial sponsors” or the use of deceased individuals’ identities
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Public safety and national security risks due to incomplete vetting
Officials are conducting a comprehensive review of the parole population admitted under these programs. Only after that review is complete will USCIS decide whether to resume processing applications.
Additional Enforcement Actions
Recent moves go beyond the application freeze. Federal immigration agents have now been authorized to:
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Seek the deportation of individuals who entered under CHNV and similar parole programs
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Use expedited removal in certain cases
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Draft plans to revoke parole status for some individuals in these categories
What This Means for You
If you are in one of these programs and have a pending case, your path to a more permanent status is currently stalled. Your parole and work permit remain temporary — usually valid for two years — and if your parole is not renewed, you could become subject to removal.
Next Steps:
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Stay in close contact with your immigration attorney.
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Keep your address updated with USCIS.
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Gather and keep records of your eligibility for any future filings.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as soon as USCIS changes its guidance. If you believe this applies to you, contact our office to discuss your options before your parole period expires.