Post: Immigration Parole Opportunity for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans as New Program Takes Effect

An experienced immigration attorney is the best way to take advantage of the new immigration parole program.  

immigration parole

In a major change to US immigration rules, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new immigration parole program allowing people lacking U.S. entry documents to come to the United States from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. The new program expands on a process recently begun to facilitate the legal entry of Venezuelans into America. The DHS says the parole program offers “safe, orderly and lawful pathways to the United States, including authorization to work,” for a temporary period.

Approved applicants and their immediate family members may be eligible to get advance authorization for travel to America, obtain a work permit and stay in the country for up to two years. However, the parole program requires immigrants to have a qualified sponsor in the US who is willing to guarantee them housing and financial support, as well as a way to cover medical expenses. 

As with any immigration process, there are many conditions and requirements that can be more easily dealt with by a skilled and experienced immigration lawyer. Applicants for immigration parole are considered on a case-by-case basis, so it’s to your advantage to have an aggressive advocate present your situation. If you need help or have questions about applying for the new program, call 407-644-2466 for a FREE CONSULTATION with the Orlando Immigration Attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm.

How the Immigration Parole Program Works

When it comes to immigration, “Parole” means that the Secretary of Homeland Security has the power to allow non-citizens to enter or remain in the country temporarily under certain conditions. In this case, the policy is meant to relieve pressure on America’s southern border by providing a way for 30,000 people a month (total from all four countries) to immigrate lawfully – with paperwork at an official point of entry. Any foreign national caught crossing the southern border without authorization will be sent back to Mexico or their country of origin. 

While “Parole” for immigrants is different from the parole given to people in prison, it is similar in that certain conditions must be met in order for someone to remain at liberty. An immigrant on DHS parole is allowed entry on the condition that they have a sponsor – someone willing to support them during their stay. 

It’s important to understand that a grant of parole in this case is temporary (lasting two years) and does not confer official immigration status as one would get when being formally admitted to the country with a visa.

How to Sponsor an Immigrant under the Parole Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

Those wishing to support a Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Venezuelan immigrant or their immediate family member have to go through an application process. Potential sponsors must submit form I-134A, an Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support for each individual applying for immigration parole.

To prevent abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking, the government thoroughly checks the background of people and organizations who apply to become sponsors. Sponsors must be US citizens or lawful permanent residents and prove that they have the financial resources needed to support an immigrant for up to two years.

An immigration attorney will be familiar with the process and may significantly improve your prospects for success.

The New Immigration Parole Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans 

An immigrant cannot apply directly to be accepted. After the person’s sponsor completes the  I-134A application on their behalf, the DHS will review the application and contact the immigrant (beneficiary) directly if they are approved and tell them what steps to take next.

To be eligible for the new parole immigration process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, a person must, among other requirements:

  • Have a confirmed sponsor in the US who filed a Form I-134A on their behalf
  • Possess an unexpired passport valid for international travel
  • Pass thorough security and background checks
  • Pass health and vaccination checks
  • Enter the country through an airport and pay their own airfare

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the beneficiary will be directed to open an online account with the DHS. After providing more information the beneficiary will complete a CBP One mobile application that will eventually lead to authorization to enter the country.

A citizenship and naturalization attorney can make the process much easier for both sponsor and beneficiary. If you are considering sponsoring someone for immigration from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela, call 407-644-2466 to talk with an Orlando immigration lawyer at the Rivas Law Firm. The consultation is free.

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