On January 20, 2025, the President of the United States issued a new Executive Order on Securing Our Borders, which significantly changed U.S. immigration policy. This Executive Order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate several categorical parole programs that previously allowed certain individuals to enter the U.S. without traditional visas. This update is critical if you or your family members were planning to travel to the U.S. under one of these programs.
Which Parole Programs Are Ending?
The Executive Order requires the immediate termination of the following programs:
- Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): Provided a streamlined process for Ukrainian nationals fleeing the war to enter the U.S. temporarily.
- Operations Allies Welcome (OAW): Supported Afghan nationals and their families following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- Family Reunification Parole (FRP): Allowed certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to enter the U.S. while awaiting immigrant visas.
- Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) Program: Created pathways for nationals from these countries to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
- Safe Mobility Office (SMO): Aimed at managing safe, legal migration routes from Central America.
- Central American Minor (CAM) Program: Allowed certain minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to reunite with family members in the U.S.
Who Is NOT Affected by This Change?
While many programs are ending, the Executive Order does not apply to:
- Individuals with Valid Forms I-512: This form authorizes parole for specific individuals, often under humanitarian grounds.
- Significant Public Benefit Parole Cases: Travelers being processed with federal law enforcement partners remain eligible under this category.
New Requirements for Travelers to the U.S.
With these parole programs ending, travelers must meet stricter documentation requirements:
- Valid Visa: All individuals must have a valid visa appropriate for their purpose of travel.
- Proper Travel Documentation: This includes passports, visas, and any other required documents based on U.S. immigration laws.
Important: Airlines and other carriers must verify passengers’ documents before boarding. If a carrier allows someone without proper documentation to travel, they may face fines under U.S. immigration law.
What Should You Do If You’re Affected?
- Check Your Status: Confirm if the termination of these programs impacts your travel plans.
- Apply for a Visa: If you no longer qualify under a parole program, you must apply through a U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Contact the Regional Carrier Liaison Group (RCLG): If you’re unsure about your eligibility to travel, carriers and travelers can contact RCLG offices before departure:
- Honolulu (Asia/Pacific): 808-237-4632
- Miami (Latin America/Caribbean): 305-874-5444
- New York (Europe/Africa/Middle East): 718-487-5321
You can also email CLP@cbp.dhs.gov for additional guidance.
Why This Matters
This Executive Order represents a shift in U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing stricter border security and documentation requirements. For many families and individuals, this may delay travel plans or require additional steps to secure entry into the United States.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. has ended several parole programs, including Uniting for Ukraine and Family Reunification Parole.
- Travelers must now have valid visas or appropriate travel documentation.
- Airlines may face fines if they transport travelers without proper documents.
- Contact immigration experts or the RCLG if you’re unsure about your travel status.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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You may have questions regarding a U.S. immigration matter. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
