DHS details new family reunification parole processes for South American countries

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have outlined the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

“These new processes promote family unity and provide lawful pathways consistent with our laws and our values,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. “The Department has proven that the expansion of safe, orderly, and lawful pathways, combined with strong enforcement, is effective in reducing dangerous, irregular migration to the United States.”

According to DHS, the new processes are for nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and possess approval to join their family in the United States.

Additionally, per DHS, nationals of the focus countries can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for a period of up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

The new processes allow for parole only on a discretionary, case-by-case, and temporary basis upon a demonstration of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, as well as a demonstration that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion, authorities noted.

DHS indicated the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, at his discretion, to parole non-citizens into the United States temporarily on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.