The Biden administration has decided not to renew the parole status for over half a million migrants who entered the United States under a controversial migrant flight program. This decision was met with disappointment by some immigration activists, but conservatives argue that it will not make much of a difference. The program, which allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to receive travel authorization and parole for two years, has seen nearly 530,000 migrants enter the country so far. However, the administration has stated that those paroles will not be renewed, and individuals will need to depart the United States before their authorized parole period expires.
Conservatives have noted that Haitians and Venezuelans may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which protects them from deportation. Venezuela’s TPS was renewed last year, while Haiti’s was renewed this summer, making those who arrived before these redesignations eligible. Cubans can apply for green card status via the Cuban Adjustment Act, and Nicaraguans may be able to apply for asylum, although they do not have a clear pathway. Despite this decision not to renew parole, conservatives are skeptical about the impact it will have, as many migrants may still find ways to stay in the country through other means such as applying for asylum or TPS.
Gene Hamilton, vice president and general counsel of America First Legal, expressed skepticism about the decision not to renew parole, stating that the administration has no plans to wind down the program itself, meaning more migrants will continue to enter the United States. He called the decision “political theater” and suggested that the administration may be trying to save face on border-related issues. Hamilton also highlighted the ongoing legal battle over the program and the administration’s use of parole authority, expressing concerns about the integrity of arguments that the program is only temporary if migrants are allowed to stay indefinitely.
Conservatives have raised concerns about the abuse of parole authority by the administration, arguing that it undermines the integrity of their arguments when parole is renewed indefinitely. Hamilton also pointed out the challenges of deporting migrants, particularly in cases where countries refuse to take back their nationals or legal limits on TPS. Under the Biden administration, he believes that there will be few deportations of these migrants, citing the effectiveness of their chances being close to zero. The move comes as the administration claims its policies at the southern border are working and have led to a sharp drop in illegal encounters since June, with over 131,000 individuals removed or returned to more than 140 countries.
In conclusion, the decision by the Biden administration to not renew parole for over half a million migrants under the controversial migrant flight program has been met with disappointment by some and skepticism by conservatives. While some believe that migrants will find other ways to stay in the country through asylum or TPS, others argue that the abuse of parole authority undermines the administration’s arguments for the temporary nature of the program. Whether or not this decision will have a significant impact on deportation rates remains to be seen, but conservatives are doubtful that many migrants will be removed under the current administration.
