Trump administration strips legal status from over 530,000 migrants in one fell swoop, offering them $1,000 to leave voluntarily or face deportation as DHS dismantles Biden’s controversial parole program.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Homeland Security has revoked legal status for approximately 530,000 Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrants who were part of Biden’s “humanitarian parole” program.
- DHS is encouraging self-deportation through the CBP Home Mobile App, offering travel assistance and a $1,000 exit bonus, which saves taxpayers approximately 70% compared to forced deportation costs.
- The Biden-era program was plagued with fraud, including fake Social Security numbers and address recycling, and was paused in July after internal reviews revealed significant issues.
- The Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s decision to end the program despite legal challenges from Soros-linked groups.
- Migrants who self-deport will have civil penalties forgiven and may preserve the possibility to legally re-enter the U.S. in the future.
Trump Administration Ends Biden’s Controversial Parole Program
In a decisive move to restore America’s immigration system, President Trump’s administration has officially terminated the legal status of more than half a million migrants who were enrolled in the Biden-era “humanitarian parole” program. The Department of Homeland Security announced the immediate end of protections for approximately 530,000 Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals who had been granted temporary legal status and work permits under the previous administration. The program, launched in October 2022 and expanded in January 2023, was intended to reduce illegal crossings but instead became a backdoor amnesty program riddled with fraud and abuse.
“The Biden Administration lied to America,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Ending the CHNV parole programs, as well as the paroles of those who exploited it, will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First.”
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 29, 2025
Self-Deportation Program Offers Financial Incentives
Rather than conducting mass raids and deportations, the Trump administration is offering a more cost-effective alternative through voluntary self-deportation. DHS has launched an innovative program that provides travel assistance and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who agree to return to their home countries. The program operates through the CBP Home Mobile App, allowing migrants to submit their “Intent to Depart” and receive financial assistance once their return is confirmed. This approach saves taxpayers significant money, as traditional deportations cost an average of $17,121 per person, making the self-deportation program approximately 70% less expensive.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens, and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”
The program has already seen its first successful case with an individual returning to Honduras from Chicago, and additional travel arrangements have been made for other participants in the coming weeks. Participants who submit their intent to self-deport will be deprioritized for detention and removal while they prepare to leave, giving them time to make arrangements without fear of immediate arrest. Additionally, those who self-deport will have any civil penalties or fines forgiven, potentially preserving their ability to legally re-enter the United States in the future.
Widespread Fraud Uncovered in Biden’s Program
The termination of the parole program comes after significant issues were uncovered during internal reviews. The Biden administration was forced to pause the program in July following widespread fraud, including the use of fake Social Security numbers and the repeated use of the same addresses on applications. By October 2024, the administration had already barred extensions of temporary legal status for migrants in the program, tacitly acknowledging its failure. The program’s implementation faced legal challenges from its inception, with two Soros-linked groups attempting to block President Trump’s cancellation, but the Supreme Court ultimately allowed DHS to proceed with ending it.
“The Biden Administration lied to America,” stated Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “They claimed they had properly vetted people before allowing them to enter our country through these unlawful parole programs, but they had not. These programs were a corrupt ploy to replace American workers with cheap foreign labor and led to chaos, crime, and loss of life in communities across the country.”
With the program’s termination, migrants who previously enjoyed legal status now face the choice to either leave voluntarily with financial assistance or risk deportation through traditional means. This decisive action represents a significant step in President Trump’s broader effort to restore order to America’s immigration system and prioritize the interests and safety of American citizens first.
