Researched and explained by Attorney Lorena Castillo.
The Cuban and Haitian family reunification program (FRP) promotes family unity. This modernization of the family reunification program improves immigration’s ability to maintain the integrity of vetting and screening standards. Eligible Cuban and Haitian nationals can seek parole into the United States through the FRP, reuniting with family while awaiting immigrant visas for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.
Starting August 11, 2023, most steps of the updated process will be completed online except for overseas physical exams and in-person parole assessments upon arrival at interior U.S. Ports of Entry. Eligible beneficiaries must be outside of the United States in order to qualify but are no longer required to be physically present in Cuba or Haiti.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will continue to verify an individual’s identity and eligibility on a case-by-case basis and conduct robust and multilayered security vetting. The Department of State’s National Visa Center will be issuing an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with approved Form I-130s filed on behalf of Cuban or Haitian beneficiaries.
Initiating the Family Reunification Parole process involves filing Form I-134A, an Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support. This applies to the principal beneficiary, derivative beneficiary spouse, and children, for consideration of advance travel authorization and parole into the United States.
USCIS will send a letter to Cuban Family Reunification Parole petitioners with pending Form I-131s, Application for Travel Document, for principal beneficiaries awaiting interviews in Havana. For Haitian nationals, the process welcomes all approved principal beneficiaries regardless of Form I-130 approval dates.
DHS ensures accessibility to the Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP) by admitting all approved Haitian principal beneficiaries, regardless of Form I-130 approval dates. The DHS is unwavering in its commitment to reuniting families and upholding an orderly, secure process for both CFRP and HFRP. This dedication ensures that certain Cuban and Haitian nationals, along with their derivative families, can safely and confidently enter the United States.
