On October 18, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and who have received approval to join their family in the United States.
DHS announced that the Ecuadorian nationals and their immediate family members can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for a period of up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident. It is important to note that The Family Reunification Parole process will begin with the Department of State issuing an invitation to those petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members ONLY whose Form I-130 on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary has been approved. The Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the United States, meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
The Family Reunification Parole process allows for parole only on a case-by-case and temporary basis upon a demonstration of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, as well as a demonstration that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. Individuals paroled into the United States under this process will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and will be eligible to request employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
Vijay Bhagwati, Esq.
Founder and Managing Partner
