USCIS announced a Federal Register notice implementing a new family reunification parole (FRP) process for Ecuador. The FRP processes promote family unity and are one of the comprehensive measures announced in April to promote safe and orderly migratory pathways, consistent with the objectives in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
- The new FRP process is by invitation only for certain nationals of Ecuador and allows an eligible beneficiary to be considered for parole into the United States on a case-by-case basis while they wait for their family-based immigrant visa to become available.
- Certain nationals of Ecuador who are beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, may be eligible to be considered for parole under the new FRP processes.
- Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the United States, must meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
The process begins with the Department of State issuing an invitation to initiate the process to certain U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioners whose Form I-130 filed on behalf of an Ecuadorian principal beneficiary has been approved. Beneficiaries waiting for an immigrant visa could include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents. The invited petitioner can then file a request to be a supporter of the beneficiary and eligible family members, who may then be considered for advance travel authorization and parole.
USCIS will begin using Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, for this process on Nov. 17, 2023.
Noncitizens paroled into the United States under this process will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and can request employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
The Federal Register notice explains the application process and eligibility criteria.
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