On October 19, 2022, USCIS announced a new parole program for Venezuelans outside of the United States. The new program, limited to only 24,000 Venezuelans, requires the applicant to: (1) have a supporter in the United States who can fill out Form I-134; (2) pass a national security and public safety vetting; (3) fly at their own expense to the United States and present themselves at the airport Port of Entry, and; (4) have a valid Venezuelan passport. 

Successful applicants will need to show that parole is warranted in their situation based on significant public benefit, urgent humanitarian reasons, or that a favorable exercise of discretion is otherwise warranted. Additionally, each applicant must have their own I-134.  After the I-134 is completed, applicants will need to submit biographic information through the myUSCIS platform and CBP One mobile application. They will then be notified if their Advance Travel Authorization has been approved. 

Applicants are ineligible for this program if:

• They have been ordered removed from the United States within the last 5 years
• They unlawfully crossed the Mexican or Panamanian borders after October 19, 2022
• They crossed unauthorized into the United States after October 19, 2022
• They have dual citizenship, permanent residency, or hold refugee status in a country other than Venezuela
  • This requirement does not apply to immediate family members (spouses, common-law partners, or unmarried children under 21) of an eligible national of Venezuela with whom they are traveling
  • Venezuelans living in Colombia with temporary protection permits are eligible because it is a temporary status.
• They are currently in the United States
• They are an unaccompanied minor (under 18 years old)
• They do not meet public health requirements 

Advance Travel Authorization will be valid for 90 days once approved. Parole may be granted for up to a two-year period once a successful applicant has entered the United States. CBP holds final determination if an applicant can be admitted to the United States and the length of time for which each applicant will be admitted. Once in the US, beneficiaries of this program will be able to apply for work authorization. 

The entire process is done electronically. More information about the program, including eligibility and step-by-step instructions, are available on USCIS' website here. Please note that as this is a new program, it may fill up quickly or have abrupt changes. There is no guarantee of success or entry to the United States. 

Contact the Law Offices of James D. Eiss today if you are interested in learning more about this program.