The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it is cancelling parole protections for nearly one million migrants who were allowed to enter the United States during President Joe Biden’s term. This move comes after accusations that the Biden administration misused its legal authority to let in migrants without proper immigration processes.
The Trump administration, which returned to power earlier this year, said the parole protections were an “abuse of power” and has officially revoked them.
What Happened?
Between 2021 and early 2025, the Biden administration used an app called CBP One to allow entry to approximately 985,000 migrants. This digital tool was meant to streamline the entry process for those seeking asylum or temporary protection in the U.S. However, critics—especially from the Republican party—argued that it was being used to bypass proper immigration checks.
Now, those 985,000 migrants have been told their parole status is no longer valid. They must leave the country immediately or face strict consequences, including a lifetime ban from re-entering the United States.
Why Did Trump Revoke These Protections?
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement accusing the Biden administration of giving parole status to a large number of individuals who didn’t meet the legal requirements. Parole is meant to be used in urgent humanitarian cases or when there’s a significant public benefit, not for mass migration.
Under Trump’s order, DHS is now reversing these permissions and enforcing stricter border and immigration policies. The administration stated that the CBP One app created a loophole that allowed people to enter without a solid legal basis.
What Is the CBP One App?
The CBP One app is a mobile application developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It allows migrants to submit documents and request appointments before arriving at a U.S. border entry point. It was designed to make the process more efficient, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person processing was limited.
While it was praised for its convenience, many immigration experts and conservative lawmakers saw it as an overreach of executive authority. They believe that using an app to manage large-scale immigration reduces security and encourages illegal entry.
What Does It Mean for the Migrants?
All 985,000 migrants who entered through this system are now out of legal status. This means:
- They are considered unlawfully present in the U.S.
- They must leave immediately, either voluntarily or through deportation.
- If they don’t leave, they could be barred permanently from coming back to the U.S.
These individuals will not be allowed to apply for work permits, legal residency, or protection from deportation. In some cases, those already employed or attending school may have to quit or be removed from their programs.
What Happens Next?
The Trump administration says this is just the first step in a wider crackdown on immigration. Officials are reviewing other Biden-era policies that may have allowed “unauthorized mass entry” of migrants.
There’s also a strong focus on rebuilding immigration enforcement, including:
- Expanding ICE operations (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
- Rebuilding detention centres
- Increasing border patrol resources
Meanwhile, legal and human rights groups are expected to challenge the decision in court. They argue that many of the migrants now at risk of removal were following the legal guidance offered by the U.S. government at the time of their entry.
Political Reactions
Supporters of Trump’s decision say this move is necessary to protect U.S. borders, reduce illegal immigration, and restore the rule of law.
Republicans argue that Biden’s policies weakened border security and encouraged more people to attempt illegal entry. Some conservatives even suggest that this mass revocation is long overdue.
On the other hand, immigration advocates and Democrats say the cancellation is cruel and inhumane, especially for families who were already living and working in the U.S. peacefully. They claim it sends a confusing message about America’s role as a haven.
Global Impact
This policy change could affect migrants from many countries, especially those from Latin America, Haiti, and war-torn regions in Africa and Asia. Many of these people fled violence, poverty, or political persecution and believed they had followed the legal steps to enter the U.S.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
