The Biden administration announced on Friday that it would not be extending the parole of Haitians and others in the United States through the federal program that has sent shockwaves through Alabama and the rest of the country.
In recent months, Alabama, like dozens of other areas in the country, has protested the influx of large numbers of migrants in their communities, specifically Haitians.
The most highlighted national case came from Springfield, Ohio, which has seen an influx of roughly 15,000 migrants in recent years. The Springfield issue even came up in the presidential debate, gaining a mention from former President Donald Trump and his vice president pick J.D. Vance.
Residents have complained to local leadership in Albertville, Boaz, Cullman, Russellville and, most recently, Sylacauga. Answers from local leadership have been scant, with many claiming not to know the source or cause of the immigrant surge. In Sylacauga, seemingly contradictory statements by Mayor Jim Heigl only increased confusion after initially claiming that Alabama's state and federal leaders had confirmed the legal status of the immigrants and then subsequently backtracking.
Although the national focus has remained on Haitians, the federal parole program that brings them in covers several countries.
On Jan. 5, 2023, the Biden administration announced its intent to implement the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) Parole Program, which provides "safe and orderly pathways to the United States" for up to 30,000 nationals from the applicable countries.
Possibly in response to the presidential polling numbers, which still list immigration as a top concern for Americans, the administration officially announced on Friday that it would not be extending the legal status of those currently in the country under the CHNV program.
According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) release, those currently paroled in the U.S. must try to obtain legal status through another program, leave the country or face deportation. Federal data shows the paroles will not begin to expire until early 2025. The program is not halting altogether, and DHS is accepting new parole applications. However, the parolees who have already been approved will not have their stay extended under the CHNV program.
The CHNV program was briefly paused in August after massive fraud was discovered but resumed shortly after that.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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