‘Everyone is in fear’: DHS to revoke legal protections for migrants living in Indiana

The Trump administration’s decision to revoke legal protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants has sparked fear and uncertainty, particularly in Indianapolis’ Haitian community. The policy change targets the Biden-era CHNV program, which allowed over 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to live and work legally in the U.S. The administration argues the program is inconsistent with its foreign policy goals, leading to the termination of temporary statuses for affected individuals. Migrants are now urged to self-deport within a 30-day grace period before facing potential immigration enforcement. Advocates report a surge in concerns from immigrants seeking legal options, with many fearing deportation to unstable home countries, reported Indystar.com.

The uncertainty extends to those under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which is set to end in August, affecting thousands more in Indiana. Attorney Dallin Lykins warns that without any legal wrongdoing, many individuals will suddenly lose their right to work and live in the U.S., creating significant hardship. The visa process is lengthy, and losing temporary status could disrupt applications already in progress. Haitian workers are already being laid off as their protections near expiration, further worsening their situation. TRAC data suggests that Indiana has seen a sharp rise in immigration court cases, particularly among Haitian and Venezuelan populations, reflecting the widespread impact of these policy shifts. Many fear returning to violence and instability in their home countries, leaving them with few options for the future.