Family Reunification Parole (FRP) processes are a special pathway that allows certain petitioners and beneficiaries to seek temporary parole into the United States while they wait for a family-based immigrant visa to become available.
These invitation-only processes represent an important step toward reuniting families from countries such as Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Guatemala, and Honduras with their close relatives. Below, we explore the FRP process in detail, including eligibility requirements and the different stages involved, providing a clearer understanding of this important humanitarian process.
Process for Obtaining Family Reunification Parole
If you meet the necessary requirements, you may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally in the United States under certain circumstances:
If you were recently granted parole into the United States and your parole period remains valid.
Family Reunification Parole (FRP) processes are available by invitation only to certain petitioners who filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, that was approved on behalf of a principal beneficiary from Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Guatemala, or Honduras, and their immediate family members.
These processes allow an eligible beneficiary to be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for temporary parole into the United States while waiting for a family-based immigrant visa to become available.
Invitations to participate in these processes are sent by email or regular mail to certain petitioners whose Forms I-130 have been approved.
A financial supporter is required for each beneficiary. If USCIS determines that a beneficiary’s supporter is suitable, DHS will conduct security screening for each beneficiary and consider each individual for advance travel authorization. If a beneficiary receives advance travel authorization, they may travel to the United States on a commercial airline and request discretionary parole at a U.S. airport port of entry.
If parole is granted, the beneficiary may remain in the United States during the authorized parole period and may later be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status when an immigrant visa becomes available, provided all applicable requirements are met. Individuals paroled into the United States through these processes may also be eligible to apply for employment authorization.
Eligibility Background
Petitioner: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who filed an approved Form I-130 on behalf of a principal beneficiary, received a written invitation to begin the FRP process, and whose principal beneficiary had not already been issued an immigrant visa at the time of the invitation.
Beneficiary: The beneficiary must be outside the United States, be the principal or derivative beneficiary of an approved Form I-130, be a national of a country covered by an applicable family reunification parole process, and have a petitioning relative in the United States who received an invitation to begin the FRP process. Additional eligibility restrictions may apply based on immigration history, including previous unlawful entry, interdiction at sea, or a prior removal order.
Marriage: If a principal beneficiary marries or has a child after Form I-130 is approved, the beneficiary’s spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 may, depending on the applicable immigrant visa category and other requirements, qualify as an additional derivative beneficiary.
Stages of the Process: The process involves several stages, beginning with receiving an invitation and continuing through the required filings and biographical information, medical examination, advance travel authorization, travel to the United States, and a request for discretionary parole at a U.S. port of entry.
Eligibility Requirements: Both petitioners and beneficiaries must satisfy applicable eligibility requirements, including security, health, immigration, and other requirements. Approval at one stage does not guarantee that parole will ultimately be granted.
In summary, Family Reunification Parole processes may allow certain petitioners and beneficiaries to seek temporary parole into the United States under specific circumstances. The process involves multiple stages and eligibility requirements that must be satisfied before an individual may be considered. Those who are ultimately paroled into the United States may also be eligible to apply for employment authorization.
If you know someone who may benefit from a Family Reunification Parole (FRP) process, we encourage you to share this valuable information with them. Family unity is an important value, and FRP may provide an opportunity for eligible families to reunite in the United States.
If you would like more information or have questions about FRP, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team. We are here to help you better understand this humanitarian process and the options that may be available to your family. Call Albizu Law at 512-861-5638, and we will be happy to address your questions. Together, we can help families pursue a more secure future in the United States.
