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A federal judge in Boston has halted the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke the CHNV humanitarian parole program, a legal avenue that allowed over half a million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter the United States under President Biden’s immigration policy.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled on Monday, April 14, 2025, that the Department of Homeland Security cannot terminate the parole status and work permits of CHNV migrants without individual review. The ruling prevented DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from acting on April 24 to end the program, which was announced in a March 25 notice in the Federal Register.

Judge Talwani, an Obama appointee, emphasized that while the DHS secretary has broad discretionary powers, they are not immune from judicial oversight. Her 41-page order underscored that the government’s action would unlawfully revoke lawful status from paroled immigrants already residing in the U.S., many of whom are living and working in South Florida.

The CHNV humanitarian parole program, launched in January 2023 by the Biden administration, granted temporary legal entry for two years to migrants fleeing instability and repression in their home countries. Eligibility required a U.S. financial sponsor, airfare arrangements, and successful health and security checks. The initiative was designed to reduce irregular border crossings and manage regional humanitarian crises.

By December 2024, more than 531,000 individuals had arrived through the program — including 211,000 Haitians and over 110,000 Cubans. Migrants and advocacy groups hailed the federal court’s decision as a lifeline, as many had already applied for asylum or adjustment of status.

The Trump administration argued that the program was a misuse of executive authority, failed to curb illegal immigration at the border, and added strain to immigration systems and airport infrastructure — particularly in Florida, where 80% of arrivals landed.

However, Judge Talwani concluded the administration had misinterpreted immigration law and unjustly treated lawful entrants as if they had crossed the border illegally.

Homeland Security is expected to appeal the ruling. Meanwhile, paroled migrants under CHNV remain protected from deportation, pending further legal developments.