President Trump revokes parole for 6,300 foreign nationals with known terrorist watch list flags or criminal records who were granted U.S. entry during the previous administration.
At a Glance
- Trump administration revoked parole for 6,300 foreign nationals flagged on FBI’s terror watchlist or with criminal records who were granted entry under Biden’s policies
- Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revealed these individuals had access to government benefits including Medicaid, unemployment insurance, student loans, and tax refunds
- All affected individuals had received Social Security numbers despite questionable backgrounds
- A federal judge halted the administration’s attempt to terminate paroles for 500,000 migrants under the CHNV program, citing potential due process violations
- DHS confirmed Secretary Noem has full authority to revoke paroles to secure borders and protect national security
National Security Comes First
In a significant move to strengthen national security, President Trump has revoked parole for 6,300 foreign nationals who were granted entry to the United States despite being flagged on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist or having criminal histories. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) uncovered that these individuals had been paroled under the previous administration with minimal vetting, creating potential security risks for American citizens while providing these individuals access to various government benefit programs.
“Under the Biden administration, it was routine for Border Patrol to admit aliens into the United States with no legal status and minimal screening. So far, [Customs and Border Protection] identified a subset of 6.3k individuals paroled into the United States since 2023 on the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or with criminal records. These paroles have since been terminated with immediate effect,” reported the Department of Government Efficiency.
Benefits Granted Despite Security Concerns
One of the most alarming aspects of DOGE’s findings was that these 6,300 individuals with questionable backgrounds had been granted access to various U.S. benefit programs. Despite having no legal status beyond parole, these foreign nationals received social security numbers, allowing them to access Medicaid, unemployment insurance, federal student loans, and even claim tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit program.
“Despite having no other legal status, paroled aliens are able to file for work authorization and receive social security numbers. Among these 6.3k paroled aliens with criminal or terrorist records (all have a social security number),” stated DOGE in their findings.
Legal Challenges to Reform Efforts
The revocation of parole for these 6,300 individuals is part of President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which also includes declaring a national emergency at the southern border. Trump has been clear about the security threats posed at the border, stating, “Our southern border is overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, known terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, unvetted military-age males from foreign adversaries, and illicit narcotics that harm Americans.”
However, the administration’s attempts to address immigration issues have faced legal challenges. A U.S. District Judge recently blocked the termination of paroles for approximately 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who were admitted under the CHNV program. This legal intervention has raised questions about the balance between national security concerns and due process requirements for parolees already in the country.
DHS Defends Action as Lawful
Despite these legal challenges, the Department of Homeland Security stands firmly behind the decision to revoke parole for individuals with terrorist watchlist flags or criminal histories. A DHS spokesperson emphasized the legal authority for these actions, stating, “Under federal law, Secretary [Kristi] Noem — in support of the president — has full authority to revoke parole. Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security.”
The administration has also announced plans to revoke parole for approximately 985,000 individuals who entered the U.S. under the CBP One app, which was designed to schedule appointments at the border. Critics argue these policies have created significant security vulnerabilities that the Trump administration is now working to address through these enforcement actions.
As these immigration policy changes continue to unfold, the legal battles highlight the complex intersection of security concerns, humanitarian considerations, and legal requirements that characterize America’s ongoing immigration debate. For now, the administration remains committed to its position that prioritizing national security through more stringent immigration enforcement is both necessary and legally justified.
