The Biden administration has paused a controversial program allowing up to 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to travel directly to the U.S. after an internal report revealed significant fraud in the application process.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the suspension of advance travel authorizations “out of an abundance of caution” as it reviews sponsor applications.
The report uncovered widespread fraud, including fake Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and false phone numbers, with multiple applications listing the same addresses and IP addresses. Some answers on Form I-134A were duplicated across thousands of applications.
Initially launched for Venezuelans in October 2022, the program expanded in January 2023 to include Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans. It allows migrants to receive work permits and a two-year U.S. stay, but does not cover travel arrangements, leaving migrants responsible for their own transit.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stopped issuing travel authorizations for Venezuelans on July 6 and for the other three nationalities on July 18.
The pause is likely to attract scrutiny from Republicans, who argue that the program misuses the administration’s parole authority. A lawsuit challenging the program was dismissed earlier this year, but appeals are expected.
