In its most recent update, U. S. Customs and Protection (CBP) offered a snapshot on the impact of the humanitarian parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). As a reminder, the Biden administration introduced the CHNV parole program in January 2023, aiming to provide a safe pathway for individuals fleeing violence, persecution, or urgent humanitarian crises.

Here are some key operational statistics for the CHNV program: 

• Since January 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly received more than 1.8 million applicants for the program; CBP has released application processing numbers for January through July 2023.

• CBP says these processes have curbed irregular migration and prevented smugglers from exploiting nearly 160,000 individuals; instead, these individuals have benefited from secure, organized, and humane pathways to the United States.

• As of the end of July 2023, CBP says more than 181,000 CHNV nationals have arrived lawfully through the Humanitarian Parole program, including:

  • Over 41,000 Cubans

  • Over 72,000 Haitians

  • Over 34,000 Nicaraguans

  • Over 63,000 Venezuelans

Eligibility for the humanitarian parole program involves individuals meeting specific criteria: being a national of one of the four designated countries and demonstrating they face a serious threat to safety or freedom in their home country. Accepted individuals are permitted to travel to the United States for one to two years, during which time they can work and apply for asylum.

Due to the overwhelming number of applicants, DHS implemented a review and approval system. This system comprises a 50% approval rate based on the date of application and 50% through random selection. However, the influx of applications has led to significant backlogs, with many applicants waiting several months for approval.