Judge upholds program allowing 30,000 migrants from 4 countries into the US monthly

“The Biden administration’s Parole Program for Migrants from Four Countries Allowed to Continue After Legal Challenge Dismissed by Federal Judge”

In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton dismissed a legal challenge from Republican-led states against the Biden administration’s program that allows a limited number of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds. The judge stated that Texas and 20 other states had not demonstrated financial harm due to the program’s existence, which allows up to 30,000 asylum-seekers from these four countries to enter the U.S. each month.

Although the legality of the program was not addressed in the ruling, its elimination would undermine a broader policy aimed at encouraging migrants to use preferred pathways into the U.S. or face consequences. The states, led by Texas, argued that the program was causing them to incur costs related to healthcare, education, and public safety for the migrants, describing it as a “shadow immigration system.”

On the other hand, advocates for the federal government pointed out that migrants admitted through the program helped address a farm labor shortage in the U.S. The White House welcomed the decision, emphasizing the success of the program in expanding lawful pathways for nationals from the four countries while reducing unauthorized border crossings.

Since its launch in fall 2022, over 357,000 individuals from the four countries have been granted parole to enter the U.S. Haitians have been the largest group utilizing the program, followed by Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans. To be eligible, migrants must apply online, have a financial sponsor in the U.S., and pass a rigorous vetting process.

President Joe Biden has utilized parole authority extensively to address urgent humanitarian needs and public benefit. The program has received positive feedback from sponsors and beneficiaries, with stories of successful integration and contribution to American society.

The legal outcome was welcomed by individuals like Valerie Laveus, who sponsored her family members from Haiti through the program, noting the positive impact on their lives. Tipton’s ruling recognized the program’s role in reducing migrant inflow and acknowledged its benefits to certain industries and regions.

Overall, the decision to continue the Parole Program reflects a balance between humanitarian concerns and national interests. As the administration faces legal challenges and debates over immigration policies, the program stands out as a model of effective and compassionate immigration solutions in a complex and evolving landscape.

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