The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on July 7, 2023 a new family reunification parole program. This program applies to the following countries: Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and is different from other parole programs such as Parole Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.
The New DHS Family Reunification Parole Program: Who Is Eligible?
The following are the eligibility requirements:
- Beneficiaries (foreign relatives) are citizens of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras;
- I-130 petition by US Citizen or permanent residents must be approved by USCIS;
- Beneficiaries of the approved I-130 petitions must be currently living outside of the United States;
- Beneficiaries must not have already received immigrant visas; and
- Beneficiaries must meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements.
In addition, this parole program is a discretionary and case-by-case process, which means that the DHS will not automatically approve parole applications. The applications will be approved for those who successfully demonstrate that there are urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefits and a favorable exercise of discretion by the DHS is warranted.
Unveiling the Benefits: Speedy Family Reunification and More
This new program offers multiple benefits. For one, it will promote faster family reunification for those who have been separated from each other for many years. Foreign relatives may enter the United States as parolees now instead of going through the lengthy National Visa Center and consular interview processes in their home countries.
In addition, foreign relatives may apply for work permits and green cards in the United States.
The following are how the new parole program works:
- The DHS will issue invitations to the US Citizen or permanent residents whose I-130 petitions has been approved;
- The invited petitioners will file requests on behalf of the beneficiaries for advance travel authorization and parole;
- Once approved, foreign relatives will enter the United States as parolees, which will be valid for three years; and
- The parolees will be eligible to apply for work permit (employment authorization document)
Path to Permanent Residency: Green Card Opportunities for Parolees
In addition, the parolees will be eligible to apply for green cards in the United States. If foreign relatives are immediate relatives of the US Citizen petitioners, they can submit their I-485 applications right away. Non-immediate relatives of the US Citizen petitioners or spouses or children of the permanent resident petitioners will be able to apply for green cards when immigrant visas become available.
The following are those who can apply for green cards right after entering the United States as parolees:
- Spouses of the US Citizen petitioners;
- Unmarried children (under 21 years old) of the US Citizen petitioners; or
- Parents of the US Citizens petitioners
Bridging Families and Cultures: How Francis Law Center Can Help
Serving clients across Chicago, Schaumburg, Naperville, Madison, and beyond, Francis Law Center brings families together, advocates for humanitarian relief, and helps professionals and businesses with complex immigration issues, including Family-Based Immigration, Humanitarian & Citizenship, and Employment-Based Immigration.
We believe in an interconnected world powered by mobility and diversity. As part of our commitment to that idea, we provide a full range of services to clear the legal path enabling professionals, families, and businesses to thrive in the United States.
Schedule an Initial Consultation: Call us at 866-868-1596. You can also reach us online. We look forward to hearing from you.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice. Written by Attorney Jae Francis Lee.
