In a move that could reshape U.S. immigration policy, the Trump administration has put a stop to several programs that allowed people to enter the country temporarily. This decision will impact immigrants from some of the world’s most troubled regions, including Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.

The halt, announced in a directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stops processing applications for these programs while the administration reviews them. Critics argue it reflects a broader crackdown on humanitarian immigration.

One of the affected initiatives is Uniting for Ukraine, a Biden-era program that has allowed over 150,000 Ukrainians to enter the U.S. with financial sponsorship. Other paused programs include pathways for Central American minors and family reunification efforts.

This suspension aligns with President Trump’s executive order to end “all categorical parole programs” he deems inconsistent with U.S. policies. The administration has been critical of programs that grant temporary entry, such as the one that allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua to enter the country.

Immigration advocates have called the decision a sign of hostility toward humanitarian efforts. “This suspension is part of a pattern that includes limiting asylum and refugee access,” said one expert.

The pause is expected to block entry for many fleeing war, instability, and poverty. As the administration reviews the programs, the future of these initiatives remains uncertain.