The family reunification parole process is a program that, as of July 31, 2023, is already allowing eligible immigrants to come live in the United States until they can apply to adjust their status as lawful permanent residents, if they are eligible. The individuals who are paroled into the United States under these processes can apply for work authorization as soon as they arrive in the country.
This program is meant to be faster than waiting on the family-based visa system for relatives to reunite in the United States. It's purpose is to ease pressure on the U.S. borders, provide more security, and reduce the number of illegal crossings into the country.
Now, who is eligible to participate in this program and what are the required steps to benefit from this special parole process?
Who qualifies in this program?
- Eligible immigrants to date must be from one of the following countries:
Colombia
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
- Immigrants from those countries must have relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and those relatives must have already filed a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on their behalf. Please note that only qualified petitioners, who receive a written invitation, may submit Form I-134A in a family reunification parole process.
- The program gives priority to adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, and children and spouses of permanent residents whose petitions have already been approved.
Process steps:
An invitation is sent to the petitioner who filed a Form I-130 on behalf of the principal and derivative beneficiaries. This invitation is only sent some time after the Form I-130 is approved.
The petitioner must then file a Form I- 134A for each beneficiary with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ to initiate this process.
Each beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS with instructions on how to create a myUSCIS online account and provide information on how to complete the next steps. They will also need to attest to completing a medical examination with a panel physician and that they have received the required vaccines.
USCIS will give instructions to the beneficiary on how to access the CBP One mobile app. Then, the beneficiary must enter certain biographical information into the CBP One and provide a photo.
After completing Step 4, CBP, at its discretion, will post a notice in the beneficiary's online account confirming whether CBP has decided to issue advance authorization to travel to the United States. If approved, this authorization is valid for 90 days. And beneficiaries are responsible for securing their own travel by air. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. And the primary beneficiary must be the first to enter the United States, otherwise other family members are prevented from entering legally.
The beneficiary applies for parole at the port of entry.
The beneficiary is paroled into the United States and may apply for an employment authorization document (or EAD).
If you are interested in learning more about this program and find out if your relative qualifies, please follow us here and in our social media for more updates.
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