Federal Judge Blocks Policy Ending Parole for Immigrants
A federal judge in Massachusetts has intervened to halt a Trump-era policy aimed at terminating parole eligibility for numerous immigrants who entered the U.S. legally using a Biden-era mobile app. This ruling comes as a significant relief to many individuals who have relied on this temporary status.
U.S. District Judge Alison Burroughs issued an order mandating the reinstatement of temporary protected status for immigrants granted entry through the CBP One app. This ruling was a direct response to the substantial impact of the policy change on those seeking legal refuge in the United States.
Since January 2023, over 900,000 individuals utilized the CBP One application for immigration appointments at various ports of entry. Many of these entrants received parole, allowing them to remain in the U.S. for two years while also securing work permits. However, the specific number of immigrants whose parole was revoked before the ruling remains unclear.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security expressed disagreement with the court’s decision, labeling it a “blatant judicial maneuver.” The spokesperson reiterated DHS’s authority under federal law to revoke parole statuses, asserting that such actions are essential for safeguarding national security and border integrity.
The judge’s ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit initiated last year by immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of those adversely affected by the policy shift. The plaintiffs contended that the mass termination of protections was “patently illegal.” This lawsuit aimed to restore the legal status of those who entered through the CBP One app.
In correspondence from April 2025, parolees were notified of their termination status and urged to leave the United States “immediately.” Judge Burroughs criticized this action, noting that it exceeded the agency’s statutory authority and failed to adhere to established procedures.
Representatives from Democracy Forward, an advocacy group involved in the case, claimed that the judge’s order represents a decisive repudiation of the Trump administration’s strategy to revoke legal status from hundreds of thousands of immigrants. They argue that their clients operated in good faith, following legal channels to secure their status, only to face abrupt termination of that security.
Carlina Velazquez, president of the Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts, voiced that the ruling has provided “much-needed relief” for many families engulfed in fear and anxiety over their status. She emphasized that these are individuals who have complied with legal requirements, trusted the U.S. immigration system, and established lives in the country.
Shortly after President Trump took office, the administration halted the CBP One app and annulled all pending appointments. In March 2025, the Trump administration introduced the CBP Home App, which promotes voluntary deportation and offers incentives for immigrants to return to their home countries.
