Important Parole Termination Notice Updates for Afghan Immigrants

Spojmie Naseri, an immigration attorney in California, shared the latest important updates on the termination of parole status as of April 17, 2025, in an interview with Nowruz Media.

She outlines what you need to know in this report.

If you received a Notice of Termination of Parole telling you to leave the U.S., DO NOT leave without consulting a legal service provider or immigration attorney. Everyone’s case is different, and your legal options may still be open.

1. CBP One Parolees (Land Border Entries)

If you entered the U.S. after a CBP One appointment and received a Notice to Appear in immigration court, you may now be getting a notice that your parole will end in 7 days.

• You can still apply for asylum or other forms of relief in court.
• If you haven’t submitted your application yet, speak to an attorney ASAP.
• If you leave the U.S. without properly ending your court case, you could receive a 10-year removal order, even after departure.
• If you’ve already filed for asylum or another immigration benefit, leaving may be treated as abandoning your case, making it harder to return or apply in the future.

2. Work Permits & Employment Authorization

• If your work permit was based on parole, it ends when parole ends—even if the card hasn’t expired.
• However, you may still qualify for work permits based on other pending applications (e.g., asylum, TPS). Apply for new work authorization immediately.
• Expect delays from USCIS. Apply as early as possible and seek legal help.

3. If You Have a Pending USCIS Application

• If you applied for asylum, TPS, a green card, or another benefit, you may still qualify to stay.
• But USCIS has paused processing some applications for those paroled through U4U, CHNV, and family reunification programs.
• If you’re waiting for a family preference visa to become current, you must have valid status when applying. If your parole ends first, you may become ineligible.

4. If You Already Have Legal Status

If you already have asylum, TPS, a visa, or a green card:

• Termination of parole does NOT affect your legal status.
• But any work permit based only on parole will be invalid.

5. Risk of Removal Even with Pending Cases

• DHS may still attempt to remove parolees with pending applications.
• If arrested by ICE, tell officers immediately that you are afraid to return to your home country and want to seek asylum.
• Carry copies of your immigration filings to prove you have a pending case.
• ICE may try to cancel your immigration court case and place you into expedited removal. This can be challenged in court—talk to a lawyer immediately.
• If you have a court date, appear and tell the judge you fear return and want to pursue your case.

Summary

• Do NOT leave the U.S. without legal advice.
• Termination of parole affects each person differently.
• You may still have options.
• Work permits may be affected but can often be re-applied for.
• Active lawsuits may change how these policies are enforced.