The Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program

The Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) program is a special initiative introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS to expedite family reunification for eligible Haitian beneficiaries. This program aims to provide a pathway for certain eligible Haitian family members to come to the United States on a temporary basis while awaiting the processing of their immigrant visas.

Eligibility Criteria

You (the Petitioner) may request parole for your qualifying relatives in Haiti if you meet the following requirements:

• You are either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (have a Green Card).
• You filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for a Haitian family member and USCIS approved it on or before Dec. 18, 2014.
• An immigrant visa is not yet available for your relative; and
• You received an invitation from the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) to participate in the HFRP Program. A qualified petitioner will only be able to apply on behalf of a family member (beneficiary) who is:
• A Haitian national (only applies to the principal beneficiary); and
• The beneficiary of a Form I-130 that USCIS approved on or before Dec. 18, 2014 (including any accompanying or “following to join” spouse or child).

Application Process

If you receive an invitation, you can submit along with copy of the NVC invitation letter, a separate Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, for each family member eligible to participate in the HFRP Program. A separate Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with supporting documents for each family member is also needed. You may submit Form I-134 from multiple sponsors to show there is sufficient income or financial resources to support each family member.

The last step is the scheduling of a consular interview. The NVC will contact you and the principal beneficiary regarding any additional requirements and will schedule an interview for the beneficiary. On the date of interview, the principal beneficiary and derivative beneficiaries will be interviewed to verify their identities and confirm their eligibility for parole under the HFRP Program. If travel is approved, U.S. embassy staff will issue the necessary travel documents to the beneficiary in Haiti. These travel documents will enable the beneficiary to travel to the United States and request parole from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry. Once parole is approved, upon arrival in the United States, beneficiaries are eligible to apply for work authorization. When the beneficiary’s immigrant visa becomes available the beneficiary may apply for lawful permanent residence, if otherwise eligible.

Disclaimer: Immigration laws and policies can change, affecting the availability and requirements of the immigration processes mentioned above. Always seek legal advice or consult official U.S. government sources to understand the latest regulations and options available to individuals.