Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

USA + 4 more

The IRC says ‘Follow the Evidence’

End to programs that provide access to safe pathways to protection could exacerbate pressure on the border; harm families and the economy.

New York, NY, January 22, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is concerned about the implications of the Trump Administration’s decision to limit the use of humanitarian parole, including by ending the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan “CHNV” parole program. The IRC believes this action may harm families, damage the economy and further strain the US border and immigration systems.

Rather than ending these programs, the IRC encourages the administration and US Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to expand and improve safe and orderly pathways to protection.

Hans Van de Weerd, Senior Vice President for Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) at the IRC said: “Humanitarian parole programs are proven to work. They provide safe pathways to protection and reduce pressure on the border. Ending parole programs poses real harm to families, the economy, and order at the border.”

The use of humanitarian parole has proven extremely effective in providing safe pathways as an alternative to irregular border crossings. After implementing the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela (CHNV), along with CBP One appointment scheduling, encounters of CHNV nationals between ports of entry dropped 98%.

Follow Us

ABOUT THE IRC

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in more than 40 countries and in 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Cinthya Hagemeier

cinthya.hagemeier@rescue.org

IRC Global Communications

+1 646 761 0307

communications@rescue.org