The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the parole program that allows qualifying individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, to come to the U.S. through a parole program will not be extended. The program provides a legal basis and employment authorization for qualifying individuals from these countries. To qualify, among other items, these migrants must have a sponsor in the U.S., complete vetting and screening, and vaccinations.

The parole program, started nearly two years ago, offered Venezuelan nationals a legal and orderly option to come to the U.S. The program was later extended and offered to qualifying individuals from Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua. The temporary humanitarian program was created to limit illegal border crossings.

The Biden administration is recommending individuals look for other legal options to remain in the U.S. By the end of August 2024, roughly 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans leveraged the parole program to enter the U.S. The program remains open at this time, following a brief pause over the summer due to concerns over fraud. Per DHS, the program was always meant to be temporary. Once in the U.S., admitted individuals are encouraged to look for other legal status options. The program did not provide a guarantee of continued availability, per DHS.

Individuals in the U.S. under the Venezuelan parole program are set to lose legal status soon, as the two year period is coming to a close. Migrants from the other eligible countries status will lapse over time. If no other legal status is received, those previously in the U.S. under the parole program for these countries will either have to leave the U.S. or face deportation.

Migrants from Haiti and Venezuela are eligible for Temporary Protected Status, a humanitarian relief option. For Cubans, there is a separate and unique option available which can lead to permanent status. However, Nicaraguans do not have the same options.

If you have questions about the parole program or any other U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Our clients work directly with attorneys to ensure they get the right advice for their particular situations. Our team of experienced attorneys offer multiple languages to ensure cultural and legal understandings are clear.

Cuba/Haita/Nicaragua/Venezuela Parole program