Presidential Parole: A Lifeline For Immigrants Throughout History

Berioskha Guevara, 53, poses for a selfie in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Guevara, an opponent of the Venezuelan government who was struggling to buy food, arrived in the U.S. in July 2

Immigration 'parole' has been a significant tool used by American presidents to address urgent humanitarian needs and public benefits. President Joe Biden has notably utilized this power to create new legal pathways for immigrants and deter illegal crossings, granting temporary visits to over 1 million individuals. In contrast, former President Donald Trump vowed to end what he called the 'outrageous abuse of parole.'

Established in 1952, parole allows the president to admit individuals on a case-by-case basis for specific reasons. This authority has been invoked by every president except Trump, as reported by the Cato Institute.

Historical Parole Waves

Biden has granted temporary visits to over 1 million individuals using parole.

Immigration parole is a tool used by American presidents for humanitarian needs.

Trump aimed to end what he called the 'outrageous abuse of parole.'

Parole allows the president to admit individuals on a case-by-case basis for specific reasons.

Parole has been invoked by every president except Trump.

Historical examples include Hungary in 1956, Vietnam in 1975, and Cuba in 1980.

Parole remains a vital mechanism for addressing pressing immigration issues.

The Biden administration's parole decisions for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela face legal challenges.

Some states argue parole circumvents congressional approval, while the administration defends it as a necessary response.

Hungary, 1956: During the Hungarian Revolution, about 32,000 individuals were paroled into the U.S., including Edith Lauer and her family who fled Budapest to escape Soviet invasion. They found refuge in Maryland, where they built new lives.

Vietnam, 1975: The fall of Saigon led to the parole of approximately 340,000 people, such as Kim-Trang Dang, who escaped the conflict and settled in Florida. She later became a social worker and a U.S. citizen.

Cuba, 1980: Mabel Junco was one of 125,000 Cubans granted parole in 1980 after Fidel Castro allowed citizens to leave. She and her family arrived in Florida, where they worked hard to establish a new life.

Venezuela, 2023: Berioskha Guevara, a chemist, found refuge in the U.S. with her father, fleeing political turmoil and economic hardship in Venezuela. They now reside in Florida, grateful for the opportunities parole has provided.

Current Controversy

The Biden administration's decision to offer parole to thousands of individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has sparked legal challenges. While some states argue it circumvents congressional approval, the administration defends it as a necessary response to the humanitarian crisis.

Despite the ongoing debate, parole remains a vital mechanism for addressing pressing immigration issues and providing hope for those seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.