U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new Family Reunification Parole (FRP) process for Ecuador, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to enhance legal pathways and reinforce immigration enforcement. The initiative aims to mitigate irregular migration and promote family unity, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
This FRP process, accessible by invitation only, targets specific Ecuadorian nationals, enabling eligible beneficiaries to be considered for parole into the United States on a case-by-case basis while awaiting their family-based immigrant visas. The primary goal is to expedite family reunification and offer a safer alternative to irregular migration routes.
Eligible beneficiaries, such as certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens or spouses and children of permanent residents, must be outside the United States, meet all requirements, undergo screening, vetting, and medical evaluations, and not have received an immigrant visa. Initiated by an invitation from the Department of State, the process involves U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioners filing a request to support the beneficiary and eligible family members. USCIS will employ Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, starting November 17, 2023.
Parole, granted on a case-by-case and temporary basis, hinges on urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons and a favorable exercise of discretion. Parolees, generally authorized for up to three years, may seek employment authorization while awaiting their immigrant visas. Upon visa availability, they can apply for lawful permanent residency. This FRP process underscores the administration's commitment to fostering legal pathways and ensuring a secure and orderly migration process.
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