Federal Judge Rules DHS Unlawfully Terminated Status of 900,000 Migrants

A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acted unlawfully when it terminated the immigration status of approximately 900,000 migrants. These individuals had entered the U.S. through the CBP One parole program.

The court found that DHS did not follow mandated statutory and regulatory processes when revoking their parole.

This decision challenges DHS's action in revoking the parole of hundreds of thousands of individuals.

CBP One Program: Background

The CBP One program, initiated in 2023, allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule interviews at U.S.-Mexico border ports of entry. After vetting, participants were granted entry into the U.S. to await their asylum claim hearings.

DHS subsequently cancelled the program and sent emails to migrants, informing them of their revoked status and encouraging them to leave the U.S.

Impact and Scope of the Ruling

The ruling applies to all migrants who entered the U.S. via the CBP One app between May 16, 2023, and January 19, 2025, and whose status was subsequently terminated.

This decision reinstates their immigration status, potentially protecting nearly 900,000 immigrants from deportation temporarily.

Official Reactions

DHS characterized the ruling as "blatant judicial activism," asserting its full authority under federal law to revoke parole and stating that the cancellations were a promise to secure borders and protect national security.

Skye Perryman, President of Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, stated the ruling is a "clear rejection" of attempts to revoke lawful status. She emphasized that clients followed legal procedures, including waiting, registering, inspection, and parole grant.