USCIS Introduces New Humanitarian Program for Venezuelans

In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the waves of Venezuelans seeking entry at the southern border of the United States, USCIS has announced a new parole program for Venezuelans. The Biden Administration has introduced this program, which is modeled after Uniting for Ukraine, as a part of a larger effort to manage the significant migration flows resulting from humanitarian crises abroad. 

To qualify for parole, the Venezeulan must have a sponsor in the United States complete Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, on their behalf. The Venezuelan then must pass national security vetting and, once approved, fly to the United States at their own expense. Beneficiaries will then be issued a two-year period of parole.

In order to enter the United States on parole, beneficiaries must arrive in the United States through an airport. Venezuelans who attempt to enter the United States at land ports of entry will generally be denied parole, and may be returned to Mexico.  Individuals who have entered the United States without inspection after October 19, 2022 are also ineligible. Further, unaccompanied children will not be accepted under the program.

All beneficiaries, including infants, must hold a valid Venezuelan passport. Due to widespread delays with passport renewals in Venezuela, USCIS will recognize passports issued prior to June 7, 2019 as valid for an additional five years beyond the printed expiration date. Passports issued after June 7, 2019 are not eligible for the automatic extension. 

The program is currently limited to 24,000 Venezuelans. The full USCIS announcement on the new Venezuelan parole program is available here. 

Due to ongoing civil violence, political and economic insecurity and lack of food, medicine and essential services, more than six million Venezulans have been forced to flee the country. As a reminder, Venezuelans who have been continuously present in the United States since March 8, 2021 are currently eligible for Temporary Protected Status. 

This alert is for informational purposes only.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.