Immigration has always been a hot topic in the United States, as the country has long been seen as a beacon of hope for those in search of a better life. However, in recent times, the subject has become an even more complex and contentious issue. With the recent changes in the government's immigration policies and regulations, its important that both immigrants and citizens alike are aware of what's happening and how it may impact their lives. In this blog post, we'll discuss the latest updates on immigration policies and chanages in the United States and everything you need to know.
Family Reunification Parole
The U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new immigration policy that could change the face of families being reunited in the United States. The new policy, known as the Family Reunification Parole (FRP) program, has been put in place to support the unification of families who have members residing in different countries. The FRP program allows U.S citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to bring their family members to the United States who are currently awaiting their immigrant visa. The FRP program aims to reduce the long watiing periods for family-based visas, allowing family members to temporarily enter the United States to be with their loved ones while they wait for their permanent residency status. It will help to relieve some of the emotional stress families experience due to being separated from each other. Let;s dive deeper into the detailes of this new policy.
Who is eligible for Family Reunification Parole?
This program is only available to those individuals who have already received approval for ther immigrant visas and are waiting for their case to become current. The FRP program applies to beneficiaries who live overseas and are the beneficiaries or derivative beneficiaries, so long as their petitioner is U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
How does the family Reunification Parole work?
The FRP program works by the USCIS granting parole to individuals who are eligible for an immigrant visa. A parole is a temporary permission to enter the country for a specific period. Therefore, this program is not a type of visa and does not grant any long-term or permanent residency status. The beneficiareis of the program will be granted parole for two years. To qualify for the program, beneficiaries must meet eligibility criteria set by the USCIS.
What are the benefits of the Family Reunification Parole?
The FRP program offers numerous benefits to beneficiaries approved to enter the United States temporarily. The most obvious benefit is that families will be reunited much sooner than is currently permitted under traditional visa regulations, which can take years of waiting. The program allows beneficiaries to enter the United States while they wait for their green cards, which can take months or even years. During their stay, beneficiaries can work and study, among other things.
What is the application process for the Family Reunification Parole?
The first step in the application process is for the U.S. citizen or LPR petitioner to submit a written request to the USCIS. The request must show whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or LPR, describe the family relationship with the beneficiary, and demonstrate why the beneficiary's admission would be consistent with the public interest. If the request is granted, the USCIS will notify the beneficiary. The beneficiary will then be able to apply for an airline or ship ticket to the United States and undergo a medical examination before traveling.
Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua Reinstated and Extended for 18 Months
TPS was initially intended to provide a temporary solution for individuals unable to return to their home country due to conditions such as armed conflict or natural disasters. However, the program has increasingly become a lifeline for those who have established roots and feel safe in the United States. For several months, there has been a looming threat of TPS designation termination for the aforementioned countries. The good news is that the program has been extended for another 18 months, providing temporary relief to beneficiaries.
As found in the new USCIS release:
TPS beneficiaries under the four designations must re-register to maintain their TPS throughout the 18-month extension. DHS previously extended the validity of TPS-related documentation for current beneficiaries through June 30, 2024, to ensure continued compliance with court orders in the litigation challenging the now-rescinded termination decisions. The new notices do not affect that action. Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under the prior designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. Individuals who arrived in the United States after the continuous residence dates for these designations are not eligible for TPS. The respective continuous residence dates are February 13, 2011, for El Salvador; December 30, 1998, for Honduras; June 24, 2015, for Nepal; and December 30, 1998, for Nicaragua.
- El Salvador: DHS is extending the designation of El Salvador for TPS for 18 months, from September 10, 2023, through March 9, 2025. Additionally, DHS considers that the designation of El Salvador for TPS has been automatically extended in 6-month increments since March 9, 2018, under INA § 244(b)(3)(C). The extension allows approximately 239,000 current TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through March 9, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through March 9, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 12, 2023, through September 10, 2023.
- Honduras: DHS is extending the designation of Honduras for TPS for 18 months, from January 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025. DHS considers that the designation of Honduras for TPS has been automatically extended in 6-month increments since July 5, 2018, under INA § 244(b)(3)(C). The extension allows approximately 76,000 existing TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through July 5, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through July 5, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from November 6, 2023, through January 5, 2024.
- Nepal: DHS is extending the designation of Nepal for TPS for 18 months, from December 25, 2023, through June 24, 2025. DHS considers that the designation of Nepal for TPS has been automatically extended in 6-month increments since June 24, 2018, under INA § 244(b)(3)(C). The extension allows approximately 14,500 existing TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through June 24, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through June 24, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from October 24, 2023, through December 23, 2023.
- Nicaragua: DHS is extending the designation of Nicaragua for TPS for 18 months, from January 6, 2024, through July 5, 2025. Additionally, DHS considers that the designation of Nicaragua for TPS has been automatically extended in 6-month increments since January 5, 2018, under INA § 244(b)(3)(C). The extension allows approximately 4,000 current TPS beneficiaries to re-register to retain TPS through July 5, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through July 5, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from November 6, 2023, through January 5, 2024.
Conclusion
With constantly evolving immigration policies and regulations, it's essential to stay informed about what’s happening. Whether an immigrant or a citizen, these changes can impact everyone living in the United States. While it's important to understand the latest immigration updates and developments, it’s also vital not to let this information overwhelm you. If you have concerns or issues regarding immigration policies, it’s recommended to work with a trusted immigration law professional. In any case, let's all hope that American immigration policy continues to evolve in a way that supports and reflects the core values of the country.
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