• Immigration Update: USCIS Expands Entry Benefits for Certain Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans

Immigration Update: USCIS Expands Entry Benefits for Certain Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans

By Jan Pederson

January 9, 2023

On January 6, 2022, USCIS announced that a streamlined process for the admission of up to 30,000 nationals per month under a parole process was implemented.  This is a very welcome change and a summary of its important provisions is below.  There is no limitation on the number of persons included; there is no expiration date for the program.

USCIS has implemented a fast and simple application for persons seeking to sponsor a national of this country. Another welcome change is that dual nationals of the covered countries will be permitted to apply under this program.

Overview

• The new program authorized by President Biden on January 6, 2023 will provide up to 30,000 parole authorizations per months for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela and their immediate family members.
• Citizens of Venezuela will continue to be eligible for the current program and can also apply under the new program.
• The parole applicants must be outside the United States when application is made.
• Spouses, common law partners, and unmarried children under 21 of the principal applicant are included regardless of nationality.
• The process is commenced by a sponsor in the United States filing an Affidavit of Support online.
• The sponsor in the United States does not have to have a green card or citizenship, but must have lawful status.
• The sponsor must complete an Affidavit of Support (I-134A) and submit the form online.  Instructions can be found at USCIS.gov.
• If the sponsorship is approved, the beneficiary will receive an email authorizing their admission to the United States.
• The sponsor does not have to be a relative of the beneficiary.
• Organizations, such as churches, and non-profit organizations can act as the sponsor.
• No need to visit an American Embassy or Consulate to apply for paperwork.
• Admission will be for two years.
• Employment authorization should be requested by the beneficiary immediately upon arrival.
• Separate Affidavits of support must be filed for each beneficiary, including minor children.  Thus, if sponsor a husband, wife and two children, four Affidavits of Support must be filed.
• Sponsors must demonstrate income/assets above the poverty guidelines.

Additional requirements can be found at USCIS.gov.

To request a free consultation with Jan Pederson, contact Corey Goettsch at legalassistant@wcslaw.com.