DHS plans to end Family Reunification Parole programs

On December 15, the Department of Homeland Security will terminate Family Reunification Parole (FRP) for seven countries.

According to an upcoming Federal Register notice, most FRP beneficiaries from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras will lose parole on January 14. Those affected will have 30 days to either leave the U.S. or find another legal immigration status before that date.

A DHS news release says that parolees who self-report their exits on the CBP Home mobile app may receive the following if they qualify:

• An exit bonus
• Waivers on certain civil fines
• Help when obtaining travel documents

However, some reports indicate that these are not guaranteed upon departure.

Individuals who have a pending adjustment of status application, or file one, by December 15 will remain in their current parolee status. Others who request a parole extension through Form I-131 may also remain in the U.S. if they are able to demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. .

FRP allowed relatives with approved family-based immigrant petitions to temporarily enter the United States as they wait to receive their Green Card. Earlier in January 2025, USCIS stopped approving Form I-134A, which petitioners need to request parole under this program.