To address the dangerous and irregular migration across the Western Hemisphere, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the implementation of new Family Reunification Parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. These processes aim to allow vetted beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to be temporarily paroled into the United States on a case-by-case basis. Individuals who do not have approved family-based petitions are not eligible to apply.
How the Process Works
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with an approved Form I-130 can initiate the process by filing Form I-134A, an Online Request to be a Supporter and a Declaration of Financial Support if they receive an invitation from the Department of State. This step must occur for advance authorization to travel and parole into the United States.
Key Points to Remember
Discretionary Basis: Beneficiaries under these processes will be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis, and the decision will be made at the authorities' discretion. To qualify, they must demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit and warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.
Parole Duration: If approved, beneficiaries will generally be paroled into the United States for up to three years. They will also be eligible to apply for employment authorization for their parole period.
Invitations and Updates: Invitations for certain U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident petitioners with an approved Form 1-130 have yet to be issued. More updates on the FRP processes for Cuba and Haiti will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for further updates on immigration news.