The CHNV Program, which stands for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, is a U.S. immigration initiative designed to provide humanitarian relief and immigration pathways to individuals from these four countries. Amid significant political instability, economic hardship, and human rights challenges in these nations, the U.S. has created a program to offer temporary protection and an opportunity for resettlement. The CHNV Program seeks to help these vulnerable populations by offering an alternative to dangerous migration routes and improving their chances for a better future in the United States.

In this article, we will explore the CHNV Program, how it works, who is eligible, and the opportunities it provides for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

What is the CHNV Program?

The CHNV Program was introduced by the Biden administration as part of broader immigration reform efforts. This program was specifically designed to help individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—countries facing political and economic crises and large-scale migration—access lawful entry into the United States.

Under this program, individuals from these countries who are facing hardship and violence at home can apply for humanitarian parole to enter the U.S. temporarily. Once approved, they are allowed to remain in the U.S. for a specified period while they seek asylum, employment, and permanent residency options.

The CHNV Program is distinct in that it allows individuals to enter the U.S. lawfully and safely, as opposed to the dangerous and often deadly migration routes many are forced to take. The program aims to address the humanitarian needs of these populations while promoting legal and orderly immigration processes.

Eligibility Criteria for the CHNV Program

To apply for the CHNV Program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. The program is aimed at individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who are seeking refuge in the U.S. but cannot easily enter through traditional visa channels. Below are the primary eligibility criteria for applicants:

1. Nationality Requirements

Only individuals from the following countries are eligible for the CHNV Program:

• Cuba

• Haiti

• Nicaragua

• Venezuela

Applicants must be nationals of these countries or stateless individuals who have significant ties to one of these countries.

2. Humanitarian Need

Applicants must demonstrate that they are facing a humanitarian crisis or significant hardship in their home country. This includes individuals who are fleeing political persecution, economic instability, or human rights violations.

3. Health and Security Screening

As part of the application process, all applicants are subject to health and security screenings to ensure they do not pose a threat to public safety. This is a standard procedure for all individuals applying for humanitarian parole or refugee status.

4. Financial Support and Sponsorship

Applicants must have a sponsor in the U.S. who agrees to support them financially for the duration of their stay. Sponsors are typically family members, community groups, or organizations. The sponsor must provide proof of their financial ability to support the applicant, covering basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

How the CHNV Program Works

The CHNV Program provides a pathway for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States legally and temporarily under humanitarian parole. Here’s a breakdown of how the program works:

1. Application Process

To apply for the CHNV Program, eligible applicants must submit an application for humanitarian parole. This application is typically filed by the sponsor in the United States, who helps navigate the process. The U.S. government processes these applications, and applicants may be required to submit documentation supporting their claim, such as evidence of their country’s conditions and their personal circumstances.

2. Temporary Parole

If the application is approved, individuals are granted humanitarian parole for a specific period (usually one year). This allows them to enter the U.S. legally and stay while they explore further immigration options, such as applying for asylum or a family-based green card.

3. Pathway to Permanent Status

Once in the U.S., CHNV Program participants can apply for asylum or other forms of legal residency. They may also pursue work authorization, which allows them to support themselves during their stay.

Benefits of the CHNV Program

The CHNV Program offers several benefits to those eligible for it, both for the individuals seeking refuge and for U.S. society as a whole.

1. Legal Entry and Protection

One of the most important benefits of the CHNV Program is that it provides a legal and safe way for individuals to enter the U.S., avoiding the dangerous and often life-threatening conditions associated with irregular migration.

2. Humanitarian Relief

The program offers a lifeline to those who are escaping violence, economic hardship, and political persecution. It enables individuals to build a better future in the U.S. while ensuring they are not forced to endure dangerous conditions at home or on migration routes.

3. Economic and Workforce Contributions

Many individuals participating in the CHNV Program contribute to the U.S. economy, especially in areas with significant immigrant populations. Refugees and parolees often fill labor gaps, provide essential services, and help sustain communities.

4. Family Reunification

The CHNV Program can facilitate family reunification by allowing applicants to join family members already living in the U.S. These connections help immigrants integrate into American society and provide much-needed social support networks.

Current Status and Future of the CHNV Program

As of 2025, the CHNV Program continues to operate under the Biden administration, with thousands of individuals benefiting from its provisions. The U.S. government remains committed to providing humanitarian relief to refugees from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

While the program provides a temporary pathway for many, advocates argue for broader reforms that would offer permanent solutions to these communities. As the political and economic situations in these countries evolve, it is likely that the CHNV Program will continue to adapt to meet the needs of displaced individuals.