Immigration Innovation: Ecuador Benefits from New Humanitarian Process
Today, we have exciting news for Ecuadorian families in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a new family reunification parole process that provides new hope to those seeking to join their loved ones in the U.S. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to combine the expansion of legal pathways with the strengthening of immigration laws, all with the goal of reducing irregular migration.
This new process is designed for Ecuadorians whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and who have already been approved to reunite with loved ones in the U.S. Specifically, it gives Ecuadorians and their immediate family members the opportunity to apply for humanitarian parole on a case-by-case basis, valid for a maximum of three years, while they await their application for permanent residency.
This process applies to nationals of Ecuador who already have an approved Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130). Those eligible must be outside the United States, meet all requirements, including background and medical checks, and have not obtained an immigrant visa.
The application for Humanitarian Parole for Family Reunification begins with an invitation from the Department of State to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative who has obtained approval of the Alien Relative Petition on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary. Beneficiaries include certain children, siblings, spouses, and children of lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens. Once the invitation is received, the process can begin with the submission of the application for advance travel authorization and parole.
This Humanitarian Parole for Family Reunification process offers renewed hope and allows for temporary stay on a case-by-case basis. Individuals admitted under this process typically obtain a permit for up to three years and can apply for employment authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they will be able to seek lawful permanent residency.
This announcement is a manifestation of the discretionary authority granted to the Secretary of Homeland Security by the Immigration and Nationality Act. In the past, this authority has been used to establish humanitarian parole processes for family reunification in other countries, demonstrating the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening legal immigration pathways.
A detailed notice will soon be published in the Federal Register, which will provide additional information about the application process and eligibility criteria.
Act now! If you are eligible for this process and would like more information, we encourage you to seek legal advice. Together, we can build a brighter future for Ecuadorian families in the United States.
