Update on Migrants Temporary and Undocumented Statuses
By Elket Rodriguez
In the past few weeks, a wave of new policies and court rulings has created confusion, fear, and uncertainty among thousands of immigrants living in the U.S. under temporary, parole or irregular statuses. From sudden termination notices demanding departure within days, to new registration requirements and the rollout of an app encouraging self-deportation, many families and individuals are left wondering what their rights are and what steps to take next.
This article breaks down the latest developments affecting humanitarian parole holders—including those under the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan (CHNV) program, Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), and CBP One parolees—as well as updates on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans and Haitians. We also explain the new CBP Home app, which is reshaping how the government manages immigration enforcement at the border and within the country.
If you or someone you know is impacted by these changes, it’s critical to understand what’s happening now, what legal protections may still be available, and how to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. Here’s what you need to know as of April 2025.
Temporary Protected Status
Venezuelan TPS Status - On March 31, a federal judge in California temporarily blocked the Trump administration's termination of TPS for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans. The ruling keeps the 2021 and 2023 TPS designations in effect. Venezuelans under the 2023 designation must re-register by September 10, 2025 to maintain protection. If TPS is ultimately terminated, many would revert to undocumented status or expired visas. To learn more, please refer to this detailed FAQ: NTPSA v. Noem – Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).
Haitian TPS Status – DHS has shortened TPS protections for Haitians, reducing the period from 18 months to 12 months, now ending on August 3, 2025. Work permits previously valid for February 3, 2026, are now only valid through August 3, 2025. DHS could reassess conditions in Haiti by June 4, 2025, to determine whether TPS protections will be extended or ended. Over 500,000 Haitians could lose their status and work authorization if protections are not renewed.
Parole
1. A U.S. humanitarian program granting temporary deportation protection and work authorization to eligible individuals from designated countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or extraordinary crises. It does not provide a path to permanent residency but allows beneficiaries to remain lawfully in the U.S. while conditions in their home country remain unsafe
2. Parole in U.S. immigration is a temporary permission granted by the Department of Homeland Security that allows individuals to enter and remain in the country without formal admission.
1. Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela (CHNV) Parole
On April 14, 2025, a federal judge halted the administration's plan to end the CHNV parole program and cancel work permits, delaying any changes until the court makes a final decision If the court lifts the stay or rules in favor of the administration, approximately 532,000 individuals could lose parole status and potentially face possible deportation, unless they depart the U.S.
2. CBP One Parole
On April 8, 2025, the DHS revoked the parole program for migrants who entered the U.S. using the CBP One app, affecting an estimated 985,000 migrants. Many have received notices instructing them to leave the country, even if they have pending asylum cases or family sponsorships. CBP one has since rebranded as CBP Home, now used by the government, among many other functions, to encourage self-deportation. As of today, no formal legal challenges has been filed, even though litigation may occur.
3. Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)
While U4U remains paused as of January 27, 2025—with no new travel or sponsorships accepted—current Ukrainian parolees retain legal status and work authorization. However, on April 4, DHS mistakenly issued departure notices to some Ukrainians, instructing them to leave within 7 days. DHS later clarified the error and confirmed that existing U4U status remains valid for now.
Undocumented Immigrants
On April 8, 2025, DHS announced it will impose daily fines of up to $998 on individuals who fail to depart the U.S. after receiving a removal order. In a broader crackdown, DHS agreed with the IRS to share tax information about some immigrants without legal status and the Social Security Administration has begun revoking Social Security numbers for over 6,000 migrants whose legal status was rescinded, cutting off access to work, banking, and benefits. Additionally, DHS is requiring undocumented migrants to register with federal authorities or face prosecution and FBI agents and criminal investigators have been begun conducting welfare checks on unaccompanied migrant children placed in federal custody.
Latest Policy Developments: Legislative Bulletin — Friday, April 11, 2025 - National Immigration Forum
Litigation Tracker: Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions
