The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced processes that provide an opportunity for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the United States in a safe and orderly manner. These procedures aim to assist individuals facing urgent humanitarian needs or seeking to reunite with family members. This blog walks you through the most important information. 

Who Can Apply?

If you're a qualified beneficiary outside the United States and don't have U.S. entry documents, you might be eligible for advanced authorization to travel and a temporary parole period of up to two years. This is considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Here's what you need to participate:

1. A Supporter in the U.S.: You must have someone in the U.S. who will support you financially during your parole period.

2. Security Vetting: You'll need to pass through security checks.

3. Meet Eligibility Criteria: Fulfill other specific requirements.

4. Favorable Exercise of Discretion: Show that your entry is warranted

How the Process Works

Your U.S.-based supporter will start by filing a Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS. This form is essential for each beneficiary, including minor children. USCIS will review the supporter's information to ensure they can financially support you during your stay.

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Eligibility Details

Supporters

A supporter must be someone in the U.S. who holds lawful status or is a parolee or beneficiary of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). They must pass security and background checks and show they have enough financial resources to support you. This can include:

• U.S. citizens and nationals

• Lawful permanent residents, lawful temporary residents, and conditional permanent residents

• Nonimmigrants in lawful status

• Asylees, refugees, and parolees

• Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

• Beneficiaries of deferred action (including DACA) or DED

Beneficiaries

You could be eligible if you're a national of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela, or an immediate family member of any nationality. Immediate family members include spouses, common-law partners, and unmarried children under 21. If you're under 18, you must travel with a parent or legal guardian.

Important Requirements

To be considered for advance travel authorization, you must:

• Be outside the United States

• Have a U.S.-based supporter who filed Form I-134A on your behalf

• Have an unexpired passport valid for international travel

• Provide for your own commercial travel to a U.S. port of entry

• Pass national security and public safety vetting

• Comply with vaccination and public health guidelines

• Demonstrate that your parole is warranted for public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons

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Special Note for Unaccompanied Children

Children under 18 arriving without a parent or legal guardian aren't eligible for advance authorization under these processes. If an unaccompanied child arrives at a U.S. port of entry, they may be placed in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For more details, visit the HHS Unaccompanied Children webpage.

However, if you're under 18 and traveling to the U.S. to reunite with a parent or legal guardian, you can seek parole through the standard Form I-131 parole process. Here's what you need to know:

1. Permission from Legal Guardians: You'll need written permission from all adults who have legal custody (your parents or legal guardians) to travel to the United States.

2. Additional Evidence: Along with Form I-131, you should provide:

• The duration of your stay in the U.S.

• Evidence of your relationship with the parent or legal guardian you're traveling to reunite with.

If your legal guardian is giving permission, make sure to include proof of their legal guardianship issued by the appropriate government authority. You'll also need to provide a statement about your relationship with the person filing Form I-131 and whether they plan to provide care and custody for you in the U.S. or reunite you with a parent or legal guardian there. For more details, see our Guidance on Evidence for Certain Types of Humanitarian or Significant Public Benefit Parole page.

You may request a fee waiver when submitting Form I-131 for a child. For more information on how to request a fee waiver, please visit the  Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver webpage.

If you are someone who is looking for new parole processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, or need guidance on any immigration matter, Our team at World One Law Group is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you qualify for the new parole processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, or Venezuelans, or need guidance on any immigration matter, we're here to help.

Schedule a consultation today to speak directly with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.