Last week, the Biden administration announced some significant changes to the parole programs for immigrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba. This policy shift is expected to impact thousands of immigrants who had been relying on this program as a way to enter the United States and seek immigration relief.

What is the Parole Program?

The parole program was designed to allow eligible individuals from these four countries to temporarily come to the United States. Under this program, participants can stay in the U.S. for up to two years and during that time, they can apply for work authorization and look into other immigration benefits, like Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family-based petitions, or humanitarian relief options like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Although parole is not considered an official immigration status, it provides a temporary solution for those who may not have another legal pathway to enter the country.

What Has Changed?

The big change is that the administration will no longer allow immigrants from these countries to renew or re-parole their status once their initial two-year parole period ends. This means that people who came to the United States through this program will need to find another legal status to remain or be required to leave when their parole period expires.

Here’s how the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explains it:

“There is no re-parole process under any of the CHNV parole processes. Parole will automatically terminate at the end of your parole period (up to two years from the day you were paroled into the United States).”

For those currently under parole, this means it’s even more important to explore other immigration benefits before the parole period ends. If no legal status or extension is secured, individuals could face issues such as accruing unlawful presence or being placed in removal proceedings.

What Should You Do If Your Parole Period Is Ending?

If you’re from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, or Cuba and your parole period is coming to an end, it’s crucial to start looking into your options right away. Here are a few paths you might consider:

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): If you meet the criteria, TPS can provide protection from removal and authorization to work for a certain period.
• Family-Based Immigration: If you have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members, you may be able to adjust your status through a family-based petition.
• Humanitarian Relief Options: Programs like VAWA, the U Visa, or the T Visa can provide pathways to legal status if you qualify.
• Applying Under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA): If you are Cuban, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act. This act allows Cubans to apply for a green card after one year of being physically present in the United States. It’s crucial to initiate this process before your two-year parole period ends to avoid complications.

Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is the best way to evaluate your situation and figure out the right plan for you. Call Eagan Immigration for a free case evaluation at 202-709-6439.

Final Thoughts

The end of the re-parole process for people from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba is a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. If you or someone you know is affected by this change, seeking legal advice is critical. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can offer guidance on available immigration options and help you prepare for what’s next.

If you have any questions or need assistance navigating this policy change, feel free to reach out to our office at 202-709-6439 for a free case evaluation. We’re here to support you as you explore your options and determine the best path forward.