Trump Administration Ends CHNV Program and Issues Travel Ban: What Migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua Need to Know

Major Immigration Policy Changes Announced in June 2025

In June 2025, the Trump administration introduced two sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy that have dramatically affected migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). These measures have caused immediate disruption for over half a million individuals, many of whom have established homes, families, and livelihoods in the United States.

For those just catching up, this article breaks down what happened, who is impacted, and what steps may be available if you or someone you know is affected.

CHNV Program Terminated

The first major change was the termination of the CHNV program. Launched in 2022 under the Biden administration, the program had allowed migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to live and work legally in the United States for two years, provided they had a financial sponsor in the U.S.

More than 530,000 individuals benefited from the CHNV pathway. On June 12, 2025, however, the Department of Homeland Security issued formal notices informing participants that their temporary status had ended. Individuals who remain in the U.S. beyond that date now face the risk of deportation.

Travel Ban Blocks Entry for New Migrants

The second measure was a presidential proclamation announced on June 5, which took effect on June 9. This policy imposes a near-total ban on Haitians entering the United States and places new restrictions on migrants from Cuba and Venezuela. Although the specific criteria for Cubans and Venezuelans remain unclear, the restrictions are already creating delays and denials for visa applicants and asylum seekers.

Background and Legal Context

The CHNV program was originally designed to offer lawful pathways to those fleeing political persecution, violent unrest, and economic collapse in their home countries. It was widely regarded as a humanitarian response to ongoing crises. The current administration has criticized the program as lacking adequate vetting and enforcement mechanisms.

An initial attempt to dismantle the program in March 2025 was blocked by a federal judge in Boston. However, a subsequent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on May 30 allowed the administration to move forward. The June announcements followed swiftly thereafter.

Communities Directly Impacted

These new policies affect a wide range of people:

• Migrants with CHNV status

Individuals who entered the U.S. lawfully through CHNV are now faced with an abrupt loss of status. Many have jobs, children in school, and mortgages or leases. For those being asked to return, the conditions in countries like Venezuela and Haiti remain unstable and dangerous.

• Those planning to migrate

The travel ban cuts off legal options for many who were planning to reunite with family or seek safety. For Haitians, the ban is absolute. For Cubans and Venezuelans, restrictions remain vague but appear to have already curtailed entry.

• U.S. cities with large diaspora populations

Cities such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, which are home to significant Cuban, Venezuelan, Haitian, and Nicaraguan communities, are already feeling the consequences. Local economies, schools, and neighborhoods face rising uncertainty and concern as residents grapple with the implications of these sudden changes.

Even those outside the directly impacted communities, including Korean American residents, may see ripple effects in mixed-status families, workplaces, and schools. The broader tone of immigration enforcement is shifting, and communities are paying close attention.

Practical Steps for Those Affected

For individuals impacted by these new rules, taking action is critical. Below are several important steps to consider:

• Seek Legal Consultation

There may still be legal options available depending on your circumstances. An immigration attorney can assess whether you may qualify for asylum, humanitarian parole, family-based relief, or protection from removal based on conditions in your home country.

• Understand Other Avenues for Protection

Even without CHNV, certain protections such as withholding of removal or Convention Against Torture (CAT) relief may be available. Legal eligibility varies, so early and personalized legal guidance is key.

• Use Community Resources

Organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center and local immigrant advocacy networks are hosting legal clinics, Know Your Rights sessions, and assistance programs. Staying connected with these networks can be empowering and informative.

• Monitor Policy Developments

Because legal challenges are ongoing, policy changes may continue. Staying informed through reliable legal or advocacy sources can help you prepare for potential shifts and opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Litigation around the CHNV program and the new travel ban is still underway. Courts may halt or modify the policies depending on constitutional and procedural findings. Meanwhile, further restrictions on immigration remain possible.

Across the country, communities are mobilizing. From Little Havana in Miami to immigrant neighborhoods in Los Angeles, residents are organizing legal aid efforts, mutual support groups, and advocacy campaigns. The challenges are serious, but so is the resolve to navigate them together.

Staying Informed and Supported

For individuals and families impacted by these developments, clear and informed decision-making can make all the difference. If you are unsure about how these changes apply to your situation, consulting with experienced professionals and trusted community resources may provide clarity and help protect your legal options going forward.