Implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
/On July 7, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The FRP processes promote family unity and are part of comprehensive measures announced in April by DHS and the Department of State.
The new processes are for certain nationals of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras who are beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, may be eligible to be considered for parole under the new processes. Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the United States, meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
The processes begin with the Department of State issuing an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member whose Form I-130 petition on behalf of a Colombian, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, or Honduran beneficiary has been approved. Beneficiaries awaiting an immigrant visa could include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents. The invited petitioner can then initiate the process by filing a request on behalf of the beneficiary and eligible family members to be considered for advance travel authorization and parole.
The new processes allow for parole only on a discretionary, case-by-case, and temporary basis upon a demonstration of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, as well as a demonstration that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. Individuals paroled into the United States under these processes will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and will be eligible to request employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
The Federal Register Notices for Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras provide more information on the FRP process and eligibility criteria. Additional information on the FRP processes for Cuba and Haiti is forthcoming.
Links:
