Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sparked controversy in 2022 when his office flew 50 Venezuelans to Martha’s Vineyard, drawing criticism from Democrats and media outlets. However, a Biden administration program allowing hundreds of thousands of migrants to fly into Florida has received less attention.
While the Martha’s Vineyard incident caused an uproar, the Biden program, known as the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) parole program, has flown over 326,000 migrants into Florida. This program, initiated in October 2022 for Venezuelans and expanded to other nationalities in January 2023, permits migrants to apply for parole in other countries and travel to the U.S. if vetted and sponsored.
Despite facing a lawsuit from 20 states alleging abuse of the parole system, the Biden administration defends the program, stating it provides lawful pathways for migrants. Governor DeSantis has criticized the program, citing instances like a Haitian migrant charged with rape upon arrival.
DeSantis and his administration have been vocal in opposing the CHNV program, with past legal victories against Biden's parole policies. The Governor aims to shut down the program, claiming it encourages illegal immigration and poses security risks.
While DHS refutes claims of secrecy and emphasizes the program's transparency, DeSantis remains adamant in his stance against it. Recent developments saw DeSantis removed from a lawsuit related to the Martha's Vineyard flights, with migrants now able to sue the aviation company involved.
