On June 9, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a significant policy shift that will directly impact thousands of individuals paroled into the United States under humanitarian programs such as Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), Operation Allies Welcome, CHNV Parole (for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans), and various Family Reunification and Military Parole programs.

This move comes in response to a federal court order issued in Svitlana Doe v. Noem, requiring USCIS to lift its freeze on all pending immigration benefit applications filed by individuals under these parole programs. The new policy, as outlined in a sworn affidavit by USCIS Acting Deputy Director Kika Scott, instructs adjudicators to resume processing and make final decisions on these applications—many of which had been stalled since February.

Background: A Pause That Created Uncertainty

In February 2025, USCIS quietly implemented a system-wide pause on adjudicating benefit requests filed by parolees under special programs. This included applications for:

• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)

• Advance parole (travel permits)

• Adjustment of status (green cards)

• Asylum

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

• Naturalization and other relief

The reason cited was the need for enhanced screening and vetting to ensure no national security, public safety, or fraud concerns existed. While the government's stated intention was to strengthen security protocols, the administrative freeze left many parolees—who had entered lawfully—stranded without access to work permits or permanent immigration solutions.

The Court Steps In

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide order compelling USCIS to resume processing these applications. The court held that indefinite delays were unjustified, especially for those who had complied with all legal requirements and entered under government-sanctioned humanitarian programs.

In response, USCIS issued a new policy memorandum that lifted the freeze. Officers are now instructed to adjudicate all pending benefit requests once additional vetting is complete.

What This Means for Parolees

Effective immediately, individuals paroled under the following programs can expect their applications to move forward:

• Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)

• CHNV Parole Program

• Operation Allies Welcome

• Central American Minors (CAM) Program

• Family Reunification Parole (FRP)

• Military Parole-in-Place

Parolees may now receive decisions on pending applications for EADs, TPS, asylum, green cards, and travel permits. For many, this offers a vital path to stability and legal employment.

Importantly, even parolees from the now-terminated CHNV Program may retain eligibility for benefits filed before the program's end—particularly if they seek re-parole or another immigration status. Individual legal counsel is recommended in such cases.

Implications for Employers

This policy shift has major implications for U.S. employers with parolee employees:

• Support Filings: Employers may now support eligible parolee employees with employment-based petitions or green card sponsorships.

• Monitor EADs: Employers should confirm whether existing EADs remain valid and guide employees on renewing or reapplying as needed.

• Advising Employees: Employers may wish to inform parolee workers to check their USCIS accounts for updates, including approval notices or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Given the potential for further legal challenges and policy reversals, prompt action is advisable. USCIS may reverse or pause processing again depending on appeals or future administration directives.

Our Take: A Step Toward Certainty, But Time Is Critical

This decision brings welcome relief to individuals who have lived in legal limbo, despite having complied with parole program requirements. It also offers employers a chance to retain and support valuable workers who had been sidelined by administrative inaction.

However, the legal and policy environment remains volatile. We strongly encourage parolees and employers alike to act swiftly—review your cases, consult with an immigration attorney, and prepare any necessary filings while this policy remains in effect.

For assistance with adjustment of status, TPS applications, re-parole filings, or employment-based sponsorships, contact Saluja Law today. We are here to help navigate the evolving immigration landscape with clarity and confidence.