The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new family reunification parole process for certain Ecuadorian nationals. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to offer expanded lawful pathways and enhance enforcement to curb irregular migration. The Family Reunification Parole processes are designed to promote family unity and align with objectives outlined in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
This process targets Ecuadorian nationals with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members who have received approval to join them in the United States. Eligible individuals can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to three years while they await their application for lawful permanent residency.
"The Family Reunification Parole process promotes family unity consistent with our laws and our values," stated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. He emphasized that this process will allow more families to access lawful pathways instead of risking dangerous journeys facilitated by smugglers. He added, "Those who do not avail themselves of family reunification parole or other lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to face tough consequences."
Ecuadorian nationals eligible for this program must be beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, meet all requirements including screening, vetting, and medical checks, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
The process begins when the Department of State issues an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident whose Form I-130 has been approved on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary. Beneficiaries awaiting an immigrant visa may include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens as well as certain spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.
Parole under this program is granted temporarily on a case-by-case basis upon demonstrating urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Individuals paroled into the United States can request employment authorization while waiting for their immigrant visa availability.
The Immigration and Nationality Act grants the Secretary of Homeland Security discretionary authority to parole applicants temporarily based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Previous Secretaries have used this authority similarly in programs like the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program in 2007 and the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program in 2014. In recent months, DHS announced new FRP processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, and Haiti.