Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance defended his past remarks calling Haitian migrants entering the U.S. through Biden-era programs as “illegal aliens.” The media has labeled these migrants as legal due to parole processes and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted by Kamala Harris. Vance argued that Harris’ actions do not make these migrants legal, as they are here through mass parole and TPS programs. The GOP has criticized the use of these programs, with states suing over the CHNV program, but DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has defended their use as a way to manage migration and reduce illegal crossings.
The Biden administration has expanded CHNV parole processes and extended TPS for Haiti to protect hundreds of thousands of Haitian migrants from deportation. The use of parole programs has led to a significant reduction in illegal crossings and has been seen as a model for addressing migration challenges globally. However, Vance and Trump have raised concerns about the influx of Haitian migrants in places like Springfield, Ohio, alleging that they are eating pets of the locals. Vance has criticized the use of TPS, describing it as a government mandate preventing deportations.
Critics have questioned the legality of the administration’s parole programs, arguing that granting mass parole to millions of migrants is illegal. The administration has defended the use of parole programs as encouraging legal immigration and reducing illegal crossings. While the number of encounters at the southern border has decreased, attention has shifted to the parole practices being used to admit migrants into the U.S. More than 1.3 million migrants have been allowed in using the CBP One app, sparking debate about the legality of their presence in the country.
The ongoing debate over immigration extends beyond the southern border, with Vance and Trump making controversial claims about Haitian migrants in small towns like Springfield. The administration has faced criticism for its use of parole and TPS programs, with Republicans arguing that these actions breach immigration laws. Despite the legal challenges, DHS maintains that the use of parole processes has helped manage migration flows and reduce unauthorized entries. The issue of migration has become a focal point in the political discourse, with both parties offering differing views on how to address the influx of migrants into the U.S.
Former President Trump has vowed to end what he calls the “migrant invasion of America,” promising to stop all migrant flights, illegal entries, and refugee resettlement. He has also pledged to revoke deportation immunity and return migrants to their home countries. The debate over immigration policies and practices continues to shape the political landscape, with both sides presenting contrasting positions on how to manage migration into the U.S. The Biden administration’s use of parole programs and TPS remains a contentious issue, with critics raising concerns about the legality and impact of these initiatives.
