Recent documents obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shed light on the distribution of migrants arriving in the United States through a controversial parole program initiated by the Biden administration. The program primarily affects migrants from four countries: Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These individuals are flown into the U.S. through various airports, with the majority landing in Florida.
From January to August 2023, around 200,000 migrants utilized this program to enter the U.S., with approximately 80% of these arrivals, totaling 161,562, entering through four major Florida cities: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa Bay. This data was revealed through DHS documents that were subpoenaed by the House Homeland Security Committee.
The parole program was first announced in October 2022, starting with Venezuelan nationals. It allows a select number of individuals to fly into the U.S. provided they have not entered illegally, have a sponsor already in the U.S., and pass specific biometric and background checks. Although the program does not facilitate flights directly, it allows up to 30,000 individuals per month to enter the U.S., providing them with work permits and a two-year stay authorization.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has defended the program as a structured and secure method for managing the entry of migrants into the United States, which has also reportedly led to a decrease in irregular migration from the included nationalities. This program is viewed by the administration as a critical element of their strategy to manage high levels of migration in the Western Hemisphere.
The top cities in the U.S. where migrants under this program have landed include Miami, which saw the highest number at 91,821, followed by Ft. Lauderdale with 60,461, and New York City with 14,827. Other cities like Houston, Orlando, and Los Angeles also saw significant numbers.
However, the program has faced significant opposition. Mark Green, the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, has criticized the program, arguing that it exceeds the parole powers granted by Congress, which are intended for use on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This contention is supported by several states that have sued to block the program, arguing it effectively creates a new visa program that allows entry for many who would otherwise have no legal basis to enter the U.S.
As the debate continues, both supporters and critics of the program are closely watching the developments, particularly in light of the ongoing legal challenges and political implications.