The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of all Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for nationals of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, along with their immediate family members.
According to DHS, categorical parole programs have been misused as a shortcut to bypass traditional immigration processes, creating security gaps and fraud risks. Secretary Kristi Noem stated that ending these programs is necessary to restore integrity and align with Executive Order 14165 which directs DHS to terminate categorical parole programs inconsistent with current enforcement priorities.
Key concerns cited by DHS include:
- Insufficient vetting: Beneficiaries often traveled to the US before biometrics and interviews were completed.
- Fraud vulnerabilities: Weak document verification and lack of in-person interviews increased risks of misrepresentation.
- Operational strain: Programs added significant workload to USCIS and CBP without reducing unlawful migration.
- Policy shift: Current administration prioritizes enforcement and deterrence over categorical parole programs.
Impacts:
- Termination Date: Parole granted under FRP programs will end January 14, 2026, unless:
- The individual has a pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) filed by December 15, 2025, or
- DHS grants an exception on a case-by-case basis.
- Employment Authorization: Work permits based on FRP parole will be revoked when parole ends.
- Departure Requirement: Individuals without another lawful status must depart the US before their parole termination date.
Voluntary Departure Incentives:
DHS encourages affected individuals to use the CBP Home Mobile App to report their intent to depart. Benefits include:
- Exit bonus and travel assistance
- Forgiveness of civil fines
- Deprioritization for enforcement while departure plans are underway
Background
- Legacy Programs: Cuban FRP (2007) and Haitian FRP (2014) were designed to promote family unity and foreign policy objectives.
- Modernized Programs: Expanded in 2023 to include Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, using online Form I-134A.
- Participation: Approximately 16,100 individuals were paroled under FRP programs since July 2023, compared to 888,000 encounters of nationals from these countries at the southwest border in FY2024 — highlighting limited impact on unlawful migration.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.