Supreme Court Backs Trump’s Move to Cancel Migrant Protection for 500,000 People

The U.S. Supreme Court has approved the Trump administration’s request to end the CHNV humanitarian parole program, threatening the legal status of more than 500,000 migrants. These individuals, from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, had been allowed to live and work in the U.S. for two years under a program initiated by President Biden. A lower court had previously blocked Trump’s attempt to end it, but the Supreme Court has now reversed that ruling, opening the door for mass deportations.

This decision suspends vital protections for migrants who fled severe economic hardship and political instability. The program was designed to provide relief for those escaping life-threatening conditions, giving them a chance to rebuild in safety. With the court’s approval, the Trump administration can begin deportation proceedings even as legal battles continue. Critics argue that these actions prioritize politics over humanitarian responsibilities, putting vulnerable populations in immediate danger.

Liberal Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor dissented strongly from the decision. Justice Jackson warned that ending the program would unravel the lives of half a million people before the courts even rule on the legality of the move. Her dissent paints a grim picture of the chaos and suffering that may result. She emphasized the need for due process and compassion in addressing immigration cases.

The Trump administration has long viewed humanitarian parole programs with skepticism. On his first day in office, President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to dismantle such programs. This directive culminated in the March announcement by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to formally terminate the CHNV initiative. Immigrant rights groups responded with legal action, highlighting the threats of violence, persecution, and death that await deported individuals.

The Supreme Court’s latest ruling is not isolated. Earlier this month, it also permitted the administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for around 350,000 Venezuelans. This signals a broader campaign by Trump officials to scale back protections for migrants, regardless of the dire conditions in their home countries. Immigration advocates are alarmed by the sweeping implications of these judicial decisions.

The White House welcomed the ruling, with Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller describing it as a justified intervention. He referred to the migrants as “invaders,” sparking fierce criticism from human rights organizations and immigrant advocates. Opponents of the decision argue that such language fuels hostility and undermines the dignity of people seeking refuge from extreme adversity.

Historically, the U.S. has used humanitarian parole to provide safe haven during times of crisis. From Cuban refugees in the 1960s to Ukrainians fleeing war in 2022, parole has been a critical tool for offering protection. The Supreme Court’s endorsement of Trump’s actions now raises concerns about the future of such programs. While legal proceedings continue, the lives of thousands are already in peril.