The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stopped all family reunification parole (FRP) programs for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, along with their immediate families. DHS said, “This administration is ending the abuse of humanitarian parole which allowed poorly vetted aliens to circumvent the traditional parole process.” DHS emphasized an 'America First' approach, saying, “Parole was never intended to be used in this way, and DHS is returning parole to a case-by-case basis as intended by Congress. Ending the FRP programs is a necessary return to common-sense policies and a return to America First.” While DHS acknowledged family reunification is important, the department stressed it must not compromise national security and public safety. DHS pointed out security gaps in these FRP programs due to weak vetting, which allowed harmful actors to exploit the system. To implement this, a Federal Register notice explains that aliens currently on FRP whose parole expires after January 14, 2026, will have their parole end on that date, unless they have applied for Form I-485 to adjust their status by December 15, 2025, and that application is still pending on January 14, 2026. If the application is approved, parole stays valid until the parole period ends or a final decision is made. If denied, the individual must leave immediately. DHS will also cancel employment authorization tied to ended parole and notify each affected person. Those without legal status must leave the US before parole ends. DHS advised departing aliens to use CBP facilities for departure processing.