**Biden Administration Halts Extension of Humanitarian Program for Migrants from Four Nations**

The Biden administration has decided not to extend the temporary humanitarian program that allows certain migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti to live and work legally in the United States. This determination was confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security, stating that affected individuals will need to seek alternative legal avenues to remain in the country.

This program was rolled out nearly two years ago, initially targeting Venezuelans as a strategy to control illegal border crossings. The initiative required migrants to have a sponsor in the U.S., pass background checks, and be fully vaccinated. Subsequently, the program was also extended to include migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti, aiming to provide an orderly immigration process for these groups.

However, the program has been mired in political controversy, with Republicans accusing the administration of misusing its parole authority. Critics frequently highlighted the program in their attacks on President Joe Biden's broader immigration policies. By the end of August, federal data indicated that nearly 530,000 individuals from these four countries had benefitted from the policy.

Despite being available to new applicants, the program faced a temporary suspension over the summer due to fraud concerns. Homeland Security officials have reiterated that the program was always intended to be temporary, giving those who arrived the opportunity to seek other legal statuses. While parole extensions were granted for Ukrainians and Afghans under similar conditions, the current program will not be extended.

The parole for certain Venezuelans is nearing its expiration, falling in line with the program's two-year timeline. This development comes at a politically sensitive time, with immigration being a heated issue in the run-up to Election Day. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson clarified that the two-year period was always meant to allow individuals to seek humanitarian relief or other immigration benefits, while contributing to the U.S. during their stay.

The lapse of protections will affect many, especially those who have not managed to secure other legal statuses. Migrants will face the options of applying for another status, leaving the U.S., or facing potential deportation. Venezuelans and Haitians who qualify can apply for Temporary Protected Status, while Cubans have a different, more direct path to permanent residency available to them. Nicaraguans, however, may find themselves in the most precarious position as they lack such alternatives.

Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee reacted strongly, criticizing the administration for not renewing the parole for some Venezuelans. They noted in a post on X that there are still numerous other ways these migrants could potentially stay in the country, suggesting that the issue is far from resolved.