30K migrants a month from 4 nations allowed into U.S.
Under a new Biden administration parole program, a combined total of 30,000 nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela will be allowed to come to the United States each month, with temporary permission to live and work here.
Ukrainians qualify under a separate similar program.
To apply, a U.S. sponsor must first submit an affidavit of support online. The person coming here will receive notice of approval and further instructions by email, so both the sponsor and beneficiary need internet access.
Here’s what you need to know about the new program.
Who qualifies?
Nationals of Cuba,
Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela and their spouses or common law partners, and unmarried children under 21. Children under 18 must arrive with a parent or guardian. Only individuals outside the United States qualify. Learn more here: uscis.gov/CHNV.
Who is ineligible?
A. Individuals deported within the past five years, Venezuelans who got caught and sent back to Mexico or Canada trying to sneak into the United States after Oct. 19, and Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans caught and sent back after Jan. 9. A criminal record in some cases may also be a bar.
What are the benefits of parole under this policy?
Beneficiaries will be able to live and work in the United States for at least two years. It’s likely that parole under this program will be extended beyond this period.
Who can be a sponsor?
To be a sponsor, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, TPS holder, asylee, parolee, legal nonimmigrant, individual with DACA or a recipient of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure. Businesses
may also sponsor.
What’s the process?
Sponsors start the process by filing form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support. Sponsors will need to prove they have the financial capacity to support the person traveling, including housing, food and health care.
Once USCIS approves form I-134A, beneficiaries will receive a notice by email as to how to obtain their parole documents. They will need an unexpired passport and must pay for their travel to the United States.
Allan Wernick is an attorney and senior legal adviser to City University of New York’s Citizenship Now! project. Email questions and comments @allanwernick. com. Follow him on Twitter @awernick.