Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

February 4, 2023

DHS has announced processes through which nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and their immediate family members, may request to come to the United States in a safe and orderly way. Qualified beneficiaries who are outside the United States and lack U.S. entry documents may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for advanced authorization to travel and a temporary period of parole for up to two years for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. To participate, eligible beneficiaries must:

Have a supporter in the United States;
Undergo and clear robust security vetting;
Meet other eligibility criteria; and
Warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.

Who are the beneficiaries?

A National of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela and their Immediate Relatives of any nationality

Definition of Immediate Relatives

Spouse and common-law partners; or
Child under 21 (a child under 18 must be accompanied by legal guardian or parent)

Who can be a Supporter?

Individuals participating in these processes must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their parole in the United States. The Support must:

Be a US Citizen;
Lawful Permanent Resident;
Refugees, Asylees, Parolees ;
Access to resources: Parolees under the program are able to access a range of resources to help them build and grow their business. This includes access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and other resources provided by incubators and accelerators.
Beneficiary of DACA or DED program; or,
Individuals, Organizations, Business or other association and
Be physically present in the US

Supporters

Do Not need to have family relationship with the beneficiaries. Anyone who meets the requirement to become a supporter and is confirmed by USCIS under the processes may support eligible beneficiaries, or their immediate family members, without regard to whether the supporter is related to the beneficiary.
Have no limit in supporting multiple beneficiaries.
Can be joined by another supporter to meet the financial requirements

Overall, the program provides a valuable opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to establish and grow their business in the United States, while also contributing to the US economy and job market.

Documents for financial proof (Supporter)

Tax return
W2s and/or 1099s
Bank statements, house deed, and others

Application Procedure

After the beneficiary is paroled into the United States, s/he is eligible to apply for discretionary employment authorization from USCIS.

Obtaining a Social Security Number and Card

The beneficiary can apply for a Social Security number (SSN) using when s/he apply for Employment Authorization Document (“Work Permit”), If s/he requests an SSN in Part 2 (Items 13.a-17.b) of your Form I-765, and her/his application is approved, USCIS will electronically transmit that data to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and SSA will assign you an SSN and issue her/him a Social Security card. SSA will mail her/his Social Security card directly to the address s/he provide on Form I-765. Social Security numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States.

Terminating the Parole

If the beneficiary has already been paroled into the United States, the parole will automatically be terminated if:

s/he departs the United States; or
her/his parole period expires.

DHS may also decide to terminate the parole in its discretion for other reasons, such as violating any laws of the United States. Individuals with expired parole are expected to depart the country of their own accord. Individuals in the United States encountered after their parole has terminated generally will be placed in removal proceedings.

Venezuela passport

Consistent with the National Assembly decree of May 21, 2019, certain expired Venezuelan passports remain valid. A Venezuelan passport:

Issued before June 7, 2019 (even if expired before this date), without a passport extension (“prórroga”), is considered valid and unexpired for five years beyond the expiration date printed in the passport.
Issued before June 7, 2019 (even if expired before this date), with a “prórroga” issued before June 7, 2019, is considered valid and unexpired for five years beyond the expiration date of the “prórroga.”
Issued before June 7, 2019 (even if expired before this date), with a “prórroga” issued on or after June 7, 2019, is considered valid and unexpired through the expiration date of the “prórroga” or for five years beyond the expiration date printed in the passport, whichever is later.
Issued on or after June 7, 2019, without a “prórroga” is not considered valid beyond the expiration date printed in the passport.
Issued on or after June 7, 2019, with a “prórroga” issued on or after June 7, 2019, is considered valid and unexpired through the expiration date of the “prórroga.”