The new Family Reunification Plan (FRP) for Ecuador allows eligible Ecuadorian beneficiaries to apply for parole to the United States on a case-by-case basis while they await their family-based immigrant visas. The goal is to reunite families sooner and provide an alternative to dangerous irregular migration.
To be eligible for the FRP process, qualifying nationals of Ecuador must meet specific criteria, including:
Being a beneficiary of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
Being located outside the United States
Meeting all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements
Not having previously received an immigrant visa
The process begins with the Department of State inviting eligible U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioners to participate. These petitioners are those whose Form I-130 filed on behalf of an Ecuadorian principal beneficiary has been approved. Beneficiaries eligible for this process include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents.
Invited petitioners can then file a request to be a supporter of the beneficiary and eligible family members. These individuals may then be considered for advance travel authorization and parole.
USCIS will begin using Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, for this process on Nov. 17, 2023.
As with all parole requests, parole under this FRP process for certain nationals of Ecuador will be granted only on a case-by-case and temporary basis. This decision will be made after determining that there are urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for authorizing parole and that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion.
Noncitizens paroled into the United States under this process will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and can request employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. Once their immigrant visa becomes available, they can apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
If you have questions about the FRP for Ecuador or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG.
