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 affect 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 come temporarily to the United States. Under this program, participants can remain in the U.S. for up to two years, and during that time, they can apply for work authorization and seek other immigration benefits, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family-based petitions, or humanitarian relief options such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Although parole is not considered an official immigration status, it provides a temporary solution for those who have no other legal pathway to enter the country.
What has changed?
The major change is that the administration will no longer allow immigrants from these countries to renew or re-obtain parole once the initial two-year period ends. This means that individuals who arrived in the United States through this program will have to find another legal status to remain or must leave the country when their parole period expires.
This is how 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 on parole, this means that it is even more important to explore other immigration benefits before the parole period ends. If a legal status or an extension is not obtained, individuals could face issues such as the accumulation of unlawful presence or being subjected to removal proceedings.
What should you do if your parole period is ending?
If you are from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, or Cuba and your parole period is coming to an end, it is crucial to start looking into your options immediately. Here are some of the pathways you can consider:
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS): If you meet the requirements, TPS can offer you protection from removal and work authorization for a specified period.
- Family-based immigration: If you have family members who are US citizens or legal permanent residents, you can adjust your status through a family-based petition.
- Humanitarian aid options: Programs like VAWA, the U Visa, or the T Visa can provide pathways to legal status if you qualify.
- Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) Application: If you are Cuban, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act. This law allows Cubans to apply for a green card after one year of physical presence in the United States. It is 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 at 202-709-6439 to evaluate your case for free.
Final reflections
The end of the re-parole process for individuals from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba is a major change in U.S. immigration policy. If you or someone you know is affected by this change, seeking legal counsel is essential. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can offer guidance on available immigration options and help you prepare for what comes next.
If you have any questions or need help navigating this policy change, please feel free to contact our office for a free evaluation at 202-709-6439. We are here to help you explore your options and determine the best path forward.
Call us at 202-709-6439 o click here for a consultation directly with attorney Lauren Eagan.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.