The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a major update that could affect thousands of noncitizens currently living in the United States under certain humanitarian parole programs. If you or a loved one entered the U.S. through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan (CHNV), or Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs, this update is especially important.

What Happened?

On February 14, 2025, USCIS leadership issued a memorandum ordering an immediate, agency-wide pause—called an administrative hold—on all pending immigration benefits for individuals paroled into the U.S. through U4U, CHNV, or FRP.

This means that any applications, petitions, or requests for immigration benefits filed by individuals under these programs will be delayed until further notice. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Asylum applications

• Work permits (I-765)

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

• Adjustment of Status (green cards)

• Naturalization

• Family- and employment-based petitions (I-129, I-130, I-140)

Why Is USCIS Doing This?

The memo says the hold is needed to allow for additional fraud and security vetting. USCIS leadership has expressed concerns that current systems may not fully flag public safety or national security issues, especially with sponsors (people who filed I-134A forms) as well as beneficiaries (the parolees themselves).

This move is also in response to Executive Order 14165, which focuses on border security and the standards for vetting individuals entering the U.S. under parole programs.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Very few. The memo clearly states that cases can only be removed from this hold on a case-by-case basis and only with approval from top USCIS leadership—and usually only in response to litigation or court orders.

Even people who are part of class action lawsuits or settlements will still have their cases reviewed individually before being released from the hold.

How Long Will the Hold Last?

There is no timeline for when this pause will be lifted. USCIS has stated only that it "may" issue a new memo after completing a full review of the populations affected by U4U, CHNV, and FRP.

On March 25, 2025, DHS officially terminated the CHNV parole program. So far, no similar announcements have been made for U4U or FRP, but it's clear that this administrative hold is part of a broader policy shift.

What Should You Do Now?

If you or someone you care about is affected by this policy, we recommend:

• Staying informed. This situation is changing quickly. Our office will continue to monitor updates from USCIS, DHS, and AILA.

• Talking to an immigration attorney. If you have a pending application or planned to file soon, we can help you understand your options and what this hold means for your case.

• Avoiding delays. While USCIS may not take action on your case right away, preparing your documents early ensures you're ready when processing resumes.

We're Here to Help

At Delgado Law Group, we know how stressful immigration uncertainty can be. If you are a parolee under U4U, CHNV, or FRP, or a sponsor worried about how this may affect your loved one's status, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation call us at 888.353.8307 or schedule a consult using this link.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always speak with a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.