Republican leaders in Washington have accused the Biden administration of exploiting the parole law, which they argue is only supposed to be used in extraordinary circumstances.
Republican legislators in Congress sought significant restrictions on parole and political asylum in exchange for funding for the southern border and military aid for Ukraine.
As part of a possible border policy agreement, the White House and a bipartisan group of senators have agreed to tighten asylum-granting limitations and boost deportation authority. Nonetheless, both sides have indicated that they can reach an agreement this week.
Setting quantitative restrictions on parole issuance and barring persons entering the nation by password from getting political asylum are two proposals being debated by the White House and the Senate to ensure they leave the United States when their parole expires.
As of January 18, 2024, during Biden’s presidency, over 1 million people received parole, including 422 000 under CBP One, 340,000 under the humanitarian password for Haitians, Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV), 176,000 Ukrainians under the U4U program, and 77,000 Afghans.
The Parole Act, which has been in effect since 1952, gives federal officials the authority to let foreigners to enter the US without a visa. The law authorizes admission into the country for humanitarian or public benefit purposes, but it does not grant the beneficiary permanent legal status. Non-citizens who have received the password may reside, work, receive education, medical insurance, and other advantages for a short time (1-2 years).
Whether the border crossing will continue on CBP One and the operation of the U4U program is still unknown.