In August 2024, the Cuban humanitarian parole program experienced a notable reduction in approvals, according to US government data.
During this month, only 1,195 Cubans received permission to enter the United States, a figure considerably lower than the 5,000 approvals in July and the 5,900 in June.
This decrease is attributed to the implementation of stricter security criteria by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The new measures seek to prevent fraud and ensure that only applicants who meet rigorous requirements can obtain parole.
The process includes having your fingerprints taken at a USCIS office, completing Form I-134A online, and making an appointment for this biometric procedure.
Parole for Venezuelans and Nicaraguans
The drop in approvals is not only affecting Cubans. Venezuelans and Nicaraguans have also seen a significant reduction in the number of permits granted. In August, only 1,034 Venezuelans were approved, compared to 4,000 the previous month.
Nicaragua experienced an even steeper drop, with just 13 approvals in August, compared to 2,700 in July.
Despite these challenges, the humanitarian parole program remains in place. Since its creation, more than 530,000 citizens from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti have been able to travel to the United States.
Among them, more than 110,000 Cubans have already obtained permission to enter the country legally. In addition, almost 210,000 Haitians, 93,000 Nicaraguans and 117,000 Venezuelans have managed to reach the country thanks to this program.
On the other hand, the DHS has also tightened measures against those who try to cross the border illegally. This stricter control has significantly reduced the entry of immigrants from these countries, with a 99% drop in arrivals during August.
Parole: Change your status or be deported
Cuban and Venezuelan citizens who entered the United States under the humanitarian parole program have a period of two years to regularize their immigration status. At the end of this period, if they fail to adjust their status, they are deported.
Those under this temporary benefit must seek legal avenues, such as applying for a visa or asylum, to be able to stay permanently. Otherwise, they face the possibility of being expelled from the country when their stay permit expires.
#month
