Federal Judge Blocks Trump CBP One Parole Termination for Migrants

A federal judge in Massachusetts on Monday blocked the Trump administration’s decision to terminate temporary parole status for hundreds of thousands of migrants who legally entered the United States using the Biden-era CBP One mobile app.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs orders the restoration of temporary protection that migrants obtained after entering through the CBP One app, which scheduled appointments for migrants at ports of entry beginning in January 2023.

900,000 People Affected

More than 900,000 people legally entered the United States through the CBP One application. Many received parole that allowed them to remain in the country for two years and receive work authorization.

Among the beneficiaries are tens of thousands of Cubans who used this legal pathway to reunite with family members in the United States, escaping an energy crisis that keeps the island without electricity for up to 16 hours daily.

The Legal Battle

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed disagreement with the decision, calling it “blatant judicial activism.”

“Under federal law, DHS had full authority to revoke parole. Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect our national security,” DHS said in a statement.

The judge’s order follows a class-action lawsuit filed last year by immigration advocacy organizations and immigrants whose parole was terminated, arguing that removing the protection en masse was “patently unlawful.”

Mass Deportation Emails

The Trump administration sent an email in April 2025 to parole recipients saying their status had been terminated and urging them to leave the U.S. “immediately.”

Attorneys in the lawsuit said plaintiffs began receiving mass emails that were:

Not addressed to any specific recipient
Not signed by any government official
Provided no explanation for the termination

“It is time for you to leave the United States,” the email began, according to the lawsuit, saying DHS was exercising its right to terminate recipients’ parole status in seven days.

Impact on the Cuban Community

For the Cuban community, this ruling represents crucial relief amid the most severe migration crisis in decades. With more than 300,000 Cubans in legal limbo following the suspension of multiple immigration programs, the CBP One parole restoration offers stability to thousands of families.

Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, stated:

“Today’s ruling is a clear rejection of an administration that has tried to erase lawful status for hundreds of thousands of people with the click of a button.”

Parallel Crisis in Cuba

This legal development occurs as Cuba faces its worst energy crisis in decades:

16 hours daily without electricity
90% reduction in Venezuelan oil supply
340% increase in dangerous maritime crossings
Mass exodus of more than 20% of the population since 2021

FAQ: What You Need to Know

What does this ruling mean for Cubans with CBP One? Cubans who entered legally with CBP One and saw their parole revoked can now recover their legal status and work authorization.

How long does the restored protection last? CBP One parole originally lasted two years from entry. Beneficiaries can continue with their cases while in legal status.

Can new people apply for CBP One? No. The CBP One application was closed by Trump upon returning to power. This ruling only restores status for those who already had it.

What options do Cubans without parole have? Cubans can apply for asylum under the Cuban Adjustment Act, although USCIS has suspended asylum approvals for 75 countries including Cuba.

This article updates as events develop. For the latest information on Cuban immigration, follow our daily updates at Aroma de Cuba.