The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has opened a procedure for Venezuelan citizens and certain close family members who are outside the United States to apply online for parole in the United States for up to two years. The application process is detailed on the USCIS website and allows eligible candidates to be sponsored for parole by an eligible sponsor based in the United States. A Federal Register Notice will be published tomorrow with further details on the program; an advance copy of the notice is available.
Venezuelans and their family members approved through this process will be allowed to travel to the United States and will be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to two years. Once released on parole through this process, beneficiaries will be able to apply for work authorization.
Through the retrial, U.S.-based individuals (or individuals representing an entity) can apply to sponsor eligible Venezuelan citizens and their close relatives who meet the following criteria:
Persons who hold legal immigration status in the United States or are on probation or beneficiaries of deferred action can act as sponsors under the Venezuelan new probation trial. This includes:
Sponsors can include individuals acting on behalf of an organization. Multiple sponsors can join together to support beneficiaries.
A U.S.-based sponsor must pass security and background checks and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the sponsored beneficiary for the duration of the probation period.
Obligations of sponsorship
Individuals seeking to sponsor Venezuelan citizens under this program must complete USCIS Form I-134, the Online Statement of Support, and provide detailed information on their income, employment and assets. By signing Form I-134, sponsors agree to provide financial and other support to beneficiaries for the duration of parole or up to two years. See the article : It’s business includes Discovery Center, KU Endowment, Parks + Rec. This may include ensuring that the beneficiary has adequate housing and basic necessities; help the beneficiary to access benefits and services (such as obtaining employment authorization, a social security card and education); help the beneficiary to find work; and ensure that the beneficiary’s health care and medical needs are met for the duration of the probation.
DHS has introduced this new probation process in order to reduce the number of Venezuelans attempting to enter the southwestern border to escape the humanitarian and economic crisis in Venezuela. The new process is modeled on the Uniting for Ukraine conditional process, which started in April 2022.
The agency said Venezuelans attempting to enter the United States by crossing the Mexico-US border between ports of entry will be returned to Mexico.
What this means for prospective sponsors and beneficiaries
Potential beneficiaries and their sponsors should consult the USCIS website for more detailed information on the Venezuelan probation application and screening process. DHS did not specify how long it will take to process these probation applications.
This notice is for informational purposes only. To see also : Remarks by Vice President Harris at the 2022 US-Africa Business Summit. If you have any questions, contact the immigration professional you work with at Fragomen.
