The U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has resumed the processing of advance travel authorizations (ATAs) under humanitarian parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV).
This resumption comes after a brief suspension, during which DHS conducted an internal review and implemented enhanced safeguards in the parole procedures for these countries. The updated procedures are intended to ensure more rigorous vetting of applicants while maintaining fairness in the granting of limited travel authorizations, according to a DHS release.
The humanitarian parole program, which has been a vital lifeline for people from CHNV countries, allows 30,000 non-citizens to travel to the U.S. each month and apply for parole on a case-by-case basis. However, demand for this initiative has been extremely high, forcing the Department of Homeland Security to fine-tune its procedures in order to manage the considerable interest more effectively.
Resumption with reinforced guarantees
DHS’s decision to suspend and re-evaluate the Humanitarian Parole program was driven by the need to strengthen the vetting process for those who support beneficiaries, i.e. those who pledge financial or other support. As part of the revised procedures, the Department of Health and Human Services has incorporated “rigorous enhanced screening” into the support application process to better ensure that only qualified individuals are authorized to bring beneficiaries to the United States.
This enhanced screening is an essential element in preserving the integrity of the program and ensuring that humanitarian parolees receive legitimate support when they arrive in the U.S., according to a statement on the USCIS website. “We have implemented updated safeguards to ensure that the process is both fair and safe, balancing the need to provide assistance to those in need with protecting the integrity of our immigration system.”
New review procedure for Form I-134A
One of the most significant updates to the program is the change in the way DHS processes Form I-134A, the online application for support and declaration of financial support. This form is the first step for potential patrons wishing to sponsor people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela under the parole program. Given the high volume of applications, which far exceeds the monthly cap of 30,000 travel authorizations, the Department of Homeland Security says it has implemented a new review process since May 17, 2023.
Under the revised system, USCIS will use a two-track review method to process the forms. Approximately half of the monthly AWA total will be randomly selected from all pending Form I-134A applications, regardless of when they were filed. This random selection process is designed to ensure that all beneficiaries have a fair chance of being considered, regardless of how long their application has been pending.
The other half of the monthly total will be processed according to the traditional “first in, first out” method, which gives priority to the oldest applications. “This dual approach aims to balance fairness with the need to clear the backlog of applications, giving both new and long-pending cases a fair chance to be considered,” said a USCIS official.
Tips for potential backers
DHS has issued specific guidance for potential supporters to help them navigate the updated procedure. First, DHS warned against submitting two Forms I-134A for the same recipient. If a Form I-134A has already been submitted and is pending, a double submission will not be accepted. This is to prevent the system from being overwhelmed by multiple applications for the same beneficiary, which could further delay the process for others.
In cases where a Form I-134A is not confirmed, the Department of Homeland Security advises people who believe they meet the program’s requirements to submit a new Form I-134A with additional evidence. “If your first Form I-134A is not confirmed, you may submit a new form with more extensive evidence to support your case,” says USCIS.
Sponsors are encouraged to track the status of their Form I-134A on their USCIS online account. USCIS has made it clear that its contact center cannot provide additional information on case status beyond what is available online, emphasizing the importance of using available digital tools for updates.
Implications for beneficiaries and the wider immigration landscape
The resumption of the humanitarian parole program, coupled with the new review procedure has significant implications for beneficiaries from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. For many, the opportunity to travel to the United States under this program represents a vital chance to escape difficult circumstances and seek a better life. However, high demand and the limited number of travel authorizations available mean that not all applicants will be granted permission to travel, the US government has warned.
For beneficiaries who are granted an ATA, the next steps are to travel to the U.S. and undergo further assessment on arrival to determine whether they qualify for parole. This case-by-case determination underscores the discretionary nature of the humanitarian parole program, which is designed to meet urgent humanitarian needs and important public interest cases.
The updated procedure also reflects broader trends in U.S. immigration policy, where it is increasingly difficult to reconcile humanitarian concerns with security and resource management. The Biden administration has come under pressure from both sides of the political spectrum: critics on the right argue for tighter immigration controls, while supporters on the left call for broader, more inclusive immigration policies.
Potential beneficiaries and supporters are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking their myUSCIS account and keeping abreast of any new DHS updates. The resumption of the program marks a turning point for many families and individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela seeking a fresh start in the United States.