The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced new parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who are seeking safe haven within the United States due to the conditions in their country. This process is being implemented in conjunction with a new border enforcement policy, which allows the government to apply Title 42 to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who attempt to enter the United States at the border without authorization. Title 42 is a provision of the Public Health Services Act that permits federal health authorities to prohibit the entry of individuals into the United States to protect public health. The law was first used by the Trump administration to prevent migrants from seeking asylum at the border during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in place currently. Under a joint agreement with Mexico, nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela may now be returned to Mexico under Title 42.

On Jan. 6, 2023, DHS began accepting online applications for the Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan programs. The Venezuelan parole process has been open since Oct. 18, 2022. Under these parole programs, nationals of the four countries who are outside the United States may apply for advance permission to travel to the United States and enter through a grant of parole. DHS has lifted the previous cap of 24,000 Venezuelan beneficiaries and will now provide travel authorization to a total of 30,000 beneficiaries per month across the four countries.

While these processes are similar in some respects to the Uniting for Ukraine parole program, there are also significant differences. This FAQ addresses questions about eligibility, the application process, and related issues for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan clients who are seeking parole.