The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on July 7, 2023, the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. These measures aim to reduce irregular migration and promote family unity by offering a lawful pathway for nationals of these countries whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Specifically, nationals can be considered for parole for up to three years while they wait to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
The processes are applicable to beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, who meet all necessary requirements. These individuals must not have received an immigrant visa and must be residing outside of the United States.
The FRP processes are initiated when the Department of State issues an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. The invited petitioner can then file a request for the beneficiary and eligible family members to be considered for advance travel authorization and parole. Parole will be granted on a discretionary and temporary basis for up to three years, and those granted parole will be eligible to request employment authorization while waiting for their immigrant visa to become available.
Sample Timeline based on the Federal Register for Colombia:
- Invitation Sent to Petitioner: The Department of State issues an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has filed an approved Form I-130.
- Petitioner Files Form I-134A Online: The petitioner submits a Form I-134A for each beneficiary through the online myUSCIS web portal to initiate the process.
- Beneficiary Electronically Provides Information: Once a petitioner’s Form I-134A is confirmed by USCIS, the beneficiary receives an email with instructions to create an online account with myUSCIS and complete the request.
- Beneficiary Submits Request in CBP One Mobile Application: After confirming biographic information and completing eligibility attestations in myUSCIS, the beneficiary will access the CBP One mobile application to input biographic and biometric information.
- Approval to Travel to the United States: Eligible beneficiaries who pass all requisite vetting may receive an electronic advance authorization to travel from CBP.
- Beneficiary Seeks Parole at the Point of Entry (POE): Upon arrival in the U.S., CBP will inspect each beneficiary and consider them for a grant of discretionary parole for a period of up to three years.
- Parole: If granted parole, parolees will generally be granted for a period of up to three years, and they will be eligible to apply for employment authorization for the duration of the parole period.