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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminded immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua on Thursday that those who entered the country under the humanitarian parole program have only two years to regularize their immigration status.
This period began to be counted from their arrival in the country and is about to expire for the first recipients of the initiative from the Biden Administration. Those who are unable to obtain asylum or other immigration benefits will have to leave the country at the end of their temporary entry authorization, the entity stated, as reported by Univisión.
The humanitarian parole, initially implemented in 2022 to allow the orderly entry of immigrants from Ukraine fleeing the war, was expanded in October of that year to include migrants from Venezuela, and in January 2023 to citizens from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
Under this program, immigrants receive temporary entry authorization for two years, and during this time, they must seek to change their immigration status to other available legal programs, such as asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), if they wish to remain in the country beyond their probationary period.
If they are unable to adjust their status in time, immigrants will be subject to deportation proceedings in accordance with DHS regulations.
While for Cubans the process may be eased by the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows for the application for permanent residency after one year of presence in the U.S., migrants from other nationalities face a more complicated process. The DHS has stated that there will be no extensions and the mechanism will not be reactivated once it ends on January 5.
The number of immigrants who have entered the U.S. exceeds half a million.
Frequently Asked Questions About Humanitarian Parole in the United States
What is the deadline to regularize immigration status under humanitarian parole?
Humanitarian parole beneficiaries have a two-year period from their arrival in the United States to regularize their immigration status. After this time, if they have not obtained asylum or another immigration benefit, they must leave the country or face potential deportation.
What options do Cubans have to regularize their status in the U.S.?
Cubans who entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole can take advantage of the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for permanent residency after one year and one day of being in the country. This law makes it easier for them to maintain legal status in the U.S. compared to other nationalities.
What challenges do immigrants from other nationalities face under humanitarian parole?
Immigrants from Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela face greater difficulties in regularizing their status. Nicaraguans must apply for asylum, while Venezuelans and Haitians can seek Temporary Protected Status (TPS). However, these processes are complex and come with additional restrictions.
What impact would the elimination of humanitarian parole have under a new administration in the U.S.?
The elimination of humanitarian parole could leave thousands of immigrants at risk of deportation. Those who have not obtained another legal status may face expulsion. This measure could increase irregular immigration due to the lack of legal alternatives to remain in the U.S.
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