A New U.S. Policy Announced

Currently, the wait time to obtain an immigrant visa to the United States based on a family relationship can be extremely long, depending on the kind of relationship and the country you are immigrating from. These wait times have kept family members separated from each other, in many cases for several years. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new policy that would allow certain potential immigrants from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to enter the United States on advance parole while they wait for an immigrant visa to become available.

This new policy is available to intending immigrants from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras who are beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. DHS has stated, in announcing the policy, that DHS will send invitations to certain U.S. citizen and LPR petitioners who have family members in those countries with an approved I-130 who are waiting for an immigrant visa to become available. Once DHS has invited the petitioners, they may submit the I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support. USCIS will then provide instructions to the beneficiary, which includes applying for advance parole using the new CBP One App.

Beneficiaries of this new policy may stay in the United States pursuant to advance parole for up to three years while they wait for an immigrant visa to become available. Once an immigrant visa does become available, they may apply to register for permanent residence while remaining in the United States. While they are here on advance parole, parolees can obtain work authorization and a U.S. social security number.

If you believe you may be eligible as a petitioner or beneficiary for this new DHS policy, you should contact a reputable immigration law firm like The Modi Law Firm, PLLC to discuss the application process and determine if you may be eligible.

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