WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new process facilitating family reunification for certain nationals of Ecuador. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to establish legal pathways and mitigate unsafe irregular migration.
The Family Reunification Parole is part of a comprehensive strategy announced in April, in collaboration with the Department of State, aiming to foster safe, orderly, and humane migration. The new process specifically targets Ecuadorian nationals with family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, offering them the opportunity for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to three years. This enables families to stay united while awaiting the application process for lawful permanent residency.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of promoting family unity within the bounds of the law, stating, “Establishing this process for certain Ecuadorian nationals will ensure more families can access lawful pathways rather than placing themselves at the mercy of smugglers to make the dangerous journey. Those who do not avail themselves of family reunification parole or other lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to face tough consequences.”
To be eligible, beneficiaries must be outside the United States, meet all necessary requirements, undergo screening, vetting, and medical assessments, and not have already received an immigrant visa. The Family Reunification Parole process is initiated through an invitation from the Department of State to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member who filed the approved Form I-130 on behalf of the Ecuadorian beneficiary.
Parole is granted on a case-by-case and temporary basis, contingent on demonstrating urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, along with a favorable exercise of discretion. Those paroled can request employment authorization while awaiting their immigrant visa, and upon its availability, they may apply for lawful permanent residency.
This discretionary authority stems from the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to parole applicants temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The Family Reunification Parole for Ecuador follows similar processes established for other countries, aligning with the administration’s commitment to humane immigration practices.
Source: USCIS
