New entry process announced for Cuban, Haitian and Nicaraguan nationals

President Joe Biden announced a new program Thursday to allow nationals of Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua to travel by air to the United States and apply for work authorization.

Biden announced the program in conjunction with a package of border enforcement plans. The Department of Homeland Security said it is based on similar programs for Venezuelans and Ukrainians launched last year.

Key Points:

• Beginning today, up to 30,000 Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan nationals per month will be admitted to the United States via parole for up to two years and will be eligible for work authorization.
• Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of immigration officers and must pass national security and public safety screenings, have a supporter in the United States, complete vaccinations and fulfill other public health requirements.
• Individuals who enter the United States, Mexico or Panama without authorization will generally be ineligible.
• U.S.-based individuals and organizations seeking to become supporters must declare their ability to provide financial support and pass background checks. Individuals and organizational representatives can apply to support eligible individuals via  https://www.uscis.gov/CHNV.

Additional Information: DHS said the forthcoming border measures were designed to “limit irregular migration” and create “safe and orderly processes for people fleeing humanitarian crises” to come to the United States. The agency urged individuals to apply for travel authorization online and said they should not approach the U.S.-Mexico border to apply. More information is available on USCIS’ Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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