Parole, TPS Updates and New Registration Explained

By Diana Higuera

In a community webinar held in April and organized by Directors Gaitán and De La Rosa, immigration attorney Hans Meyer addressed the growing confusion and anxiety faced by immigrant families, especially those who recently entered the U.S. under parole or have applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). As federal policy changes accelerate, Meyer offered legal clarity and concrete steps for those navigating a shifting and often intimidating system.

Parole programs that previously allowed tens of thousands of individuals—particularly from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti—to enter the country are now being rolled back. Most notably, the CBP One parole program, which allowed asylum seekers to enter through ports of entry, has already ended. Meanwhile, other parole programs, such as CHNV (Cuba-Haiti-Nicaragua-Venezuela) and TPS, remain in place, but only due to temporary court injunctions. These protections could disappear depending on how future legal challenges unfold.

Meyer noted that many individuals have received official notices stating they have as few as seven days to leave the country—documents that have stirred panic in immigrant households. But according to Meyer, not everyone should take these notices at face value.

“If you’ve applied for asylum, are in immigration court, or have TPS, that notice likely doesn’t apply to you,”

he emphasized, explaining that many people have a right to fight their cases to finality. He also warned that some of these notices were sent in error or to attorneys rather than directly to clients, deepening the confusion.

Those who have not taken legal steps—who have no pending applications, are not in court, and do not have TPS—may indeed be at risk of losing legal protection, but each case must be evaluated individually. Meyer repeatedly stressed the importance of consulting with a qualified immigration attorney and bringing all relevant documentation to the appointment.

Beyond parole and asylum, Meyer focused considerable time on a less-publicized but highly consequential development: a new federal registration requirement for certain immigrants. According to current federal guidelines, any noncitizen who plans to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days must be registered with the government. While this law has long existed, it is now being enforced more aggressively.

Meyer clarified that many people are already considered registered, including those who have lawful permanent residency (green cards), pending applicants for lawful permanent residency, who are in immigration court, who have a valid work permit, who have been admitted to the country on a visa, or who have received parole through certain federal programs like CBP One or CHNV with an I-94 document. Refugees formally admitted to the U.S. through international resettlement processes are also registered by default.

However, for individuals who don’t fall into these categories—those who entered without formal inspection or are otherwise in a legally gray area—registration is now mandatory. Those required to register must do so online by creating an account with the Department of Homeland Security and filling out a registration form. The form asks for information, including current address and other identifying details. Meyer acknowledged concerns from the community that this data could be used for immigration enforcement purposes. 

“There’s a lot of fear about how this information might be used,” Meyer said. “And unfortunately, the government has already stated that they may use it in certain cases to initiate deportation. That’s what makes this requirement so controversial.”

Although there was a legal challenge that briefly paused implementation of the registration rule, the block was lifted, and the requirement is active again. Meyer cautioned, however, that things may continue to shift: “It was different ten days ago than it is today. It might change again.”

For this reason, Meyer strongly encouraged people to speak with an attorney before registering if they are unsure of their status or eligibility. “Every situation is unique,” he said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.”

Toward the end of the session, Meyer addressed the broader issue of access to legal help. With nonprofit legal services stretched thin, many families are struggling to get consultations.

“There are thousands of people who need help, and we simply don’t have the nonprofit capacity to serve everyone for free,” he said.

Still, he offered a list of resources, including:

• Colorado Asylum Project (coasylum.org)

• Catholic Charities of Denver

• JAMLAC (Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center)

• AILA.org to find immigration attorneys

• Legal Night at Centro San Juan Diego (1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month)

He urged families to avoid taking advice from notarios and unlicensed individuals who may appear well-intentioned but often cause serious legal damage.

“It’s easier to fix a mistake made by an attorney than to fix one made by a notario,” he warned.

Meyer’s final advice to attendees was simple but critical: keep digital copies of immigration documents, update addresses with the court and USCIS, and seek a trustworthy legal consultation as soon as possible.

“As with any serious matter—like your health—you need professional guidance to protect your future,” he said. “This is not the time to guess.”