U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani drew attention when she issued a ruling blocking the CHNV Parole Program’s planned termination. The CHNV program, launched under the Joe Biden administration, permitted certain nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S. temporarily for up to two years and work legally.

On March 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would end the program effective April 24, citing that roughly 532,000 individuals had been admitted under it. On April 14, Judge Talwani granted a preliminary injunction staying the terminations of parole and work authorization for individuals already admitted, on the grounds that DHS had not provided individualized review for each beneficiary.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court of the United States lifted the injunction, allowing DHS to resume its termination plan.

Criticism of Judge Talwani has emerged around her prior political activity: records show she volunteered in campaigns for several Democratic politicians. Also cited in commentary is her receipt of a “Workers Justice Award” in 2012 from the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), an organization that critics say has certain historical ties; the judge continues to list this award among her credentials.

In her ruling, Talwani warned that an abrupt revocation of parole without individual review could force beneficiaries into either voluntary departure—potentially risking danger—or removal proceedings, as well as disrupt family unity.