The US Embassy in Cuba recently announced that the first citizens of the island have been approved for the new parole program to the United States. This program was announced on January 5 and allows the monthly entry of up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela over the next two years. In this blog post, we will cover the details of the program, including who can benefit from it, how to apply, and what happens once you arrive in the US.
Who can benefit from this program?
Cuban citizens living outside the United States (in Cuba or a third country) who do not have citizenship, residency, or refugee status in a third country may qualify for this program. You can travel with your relatives. Minor children must travel with at least one parent or legal guardian.
What do you need to apply?
You will need a sponsor in the United States who agrees to cover certain costs during your stay, including medical expenses. The sponsor can be a family member, a non-relative or an organization. You will also need internet access, email, a smartphone, a valid passport, and the money to pay for a ticket to the United States.
How does the program work?
Your sponsor must complete Form I-134A Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support and submit the requested documents to verify that they have the necessary financial resources. If the sponsor’s application is approved, you will receive an email from USCIS to create an online account and other instructions.
Once approved, you will need to provide personal information and a photo and ensure that you have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and other necessary vaccinations. After the information is verified and the application is approved, the Cuban beneficiary will receive a notification to check their account online.
You will receive an “advance authorization to travel to the United States” valid for 90 days. This authorization is not a visa or a parole. It only allows you to arrive at an airport in the United States. The applicant must pay the airfare and travel expenses to the final destination.
What happens once you arrive at the airport in the United States?
A Customs and Border Protection agent will decide whether to grant you parole under this program after further verification, which includes taking biometric data such as fingerprints. Similar to visas, Citizenship and Immigration Services advises that approval of advance travel authorization does not guarantee entry into the United States and that agents have the discretion to grant parole “due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.”
Can I work after entering the United States?
Yes, you can apply for a Social Security card and work permit under this program. You can also apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act after a year of being in the US.
In summary, the new parole program provides a legal, safe, and orderly migration route for Cuban citizens to enter the US. It is essential to have a sponsor, internet access, email, a smartphone, a valid passport, and the money to pay for a ticket to the United States to apply. Once approved, you will receive an “advance authorization to travel to the United States” valid for 90 days, allowing you to arrive at an airport in the United States. A Customs and Border Protection agent will then decide whether to grant you parole under this program.
