Listeners, the most significant headline this week from the Department of Homeland Security is the termination of the humanitarian parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, known as the CHNV initiative. This major policy shift, announced March 21, affects over 532,000 individuals who entered the U.S. under this Biden-era program. The program will end officially on April 24, and the DHS is urging all affected migrants to depart the U.S. in the next 30 days unless they apply for asylum or other protections. Migrants are being directed to use the CBP Home smartphone app to register for self-deportation, and officials confirm that parole will be prematurely terminated for those still covered after April 24. DHS says some individuals may be allowed to stay on a “case-by-case basis”—a concerning and uncertain outcome for many families.

In addition, the Trump administration has ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to halt processing green card applications for certain approved refugees and asylees. This aligns with Executive Order 14161, aimed at stepping up screening for national security threats. A USCIS spokesperson explained, “To better identify fraud, public safety, or national security concerns, USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting.” For vulnerable populations fleeing persecution, this legal limbo raises significant humanitarian and economic questions, as most have already waited a year or more to apply for lawful permanent residency.

On the employment front, DHS has published its Spring 2025 Unified Regulatory Agenda, detailing big changes to temporary worker programs like H-1B and H-2 visas. Since January 17, the H-1B lottery moved to a beneficiary-centric system to reduce gaming, focusing on individual applicants rather than allowing multiple registrations. Final rules increased scrutiny on employers, enacted new compliance and documentation requirements, and brought in streamlined approval for certain petition extensions and amendments. Fees for asylum applications changed as of July 22, so employers and applicants will need to budget for higher costs. For students and recent grads, upcoming rules propose shifting the H-1B selection process to favor positions with higher prevailing wage levels—meaning entry-level workers may see their chances drop for selection in the upcoming years.

From a business and local government perspective, these regulatory and enforcement changes mean organizations must immediately adapt compliance plans, HR workflows, and budgeting to meet new standards. Leaders in education, nonprofits, and staffing firms—historically beneficiaries of cap exemptions—should prepare for more rigorous documentation requirements and oversight, especially as site visits and monitoring increase.

For international relations, the end of the CHNV parole signals a strong pivot in U.S. border policy, with ripple effects in the affected countries. Local governments in border states should expect changes in migration flows and an uptick in enforcement support needs. The increased scrutiny in employment visas and green card processing will also shape foreign talent pools and business partnerships, potentially discouraging some investment and collaboration.

DHS is encouraging public feedback on its newly proposed H-1B rules. The public comment period typically lasts 30 to 60 days—this is a crucial window for businesses, advocacy organizations, and concerned citizens to weigh in and shape policy. For migrants impacted by the CHNV termination, it's vital to check your status and take action before April 24. For more details, visit the DHS official site or USCIS for updated guidance, timelines, and ways to submit public comments.

Next week, keep an eye on emerging details as the refugee and asylee green card...