Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Cruel Order to Strip Legal Status From 900,000 Migrants
In January 2023, the Biden administration launched the CBP One app for migrants to schedule legal entry. Over 900,000 people entered the U.S., receiving 2-year parole status and work authorization.
After returning to office, President Trump shut down the CBP One app and canceled all pending appointments. In March 2025, his administration launched the CBP Home app, pushing migrants to self-deport with free travel offers.
In April 2025, mass emails were sent to parole holders — unsigned, with no explanation — declaring their parole terminated. Recipients were warned to leave the U.S. within 7 days or face forced removal.
Democracy Forward and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute filed a class-action lawsuit, representing migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti. They argued the mass parole terminations were “patently unlawful” and violated federal regulations.
Judge Allison Burroughs ruled the parole terminations exceeded the agency’s statutory authority and contradicted its own regulations. She ordered reinstatement of protections. DHS fired back, calling the decision “blatant judicial activism.”
Democracy Forward’s CEO called it a “clear rejection” of erasing lawful status “with a click.” Venezuelan families in Massachusetts expressed relief after months of fear, saying they trusted the system and followed every rule.
