USCIS Implements a New Family Reunification Parole Process for Ecuador

November 16, 2023

In recent years, the country of Ecuador has experienced a surge in gang and cartel violence driving Ecuadorians to flee to other South American countries and the United States.  USCIS has now announced implementation of a new family reunification process for certain nationals of Ecuador. This process will allow an eligible beneficiary to be considered for parole into the United States on a case-by-case basis while they wait for their family-based immigrant visa to become available. It is available by invitation only to certain petitioners with an approved Form I-130 filed on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary.

The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) will soon be issuing invitations to certain U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioners whose Form I-130 on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary has been approved. After a petitioner receives an invitation, they can begin the reunification process by filing Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, and requesting to be a supporter of the principal beneficiary and any derivative beneficiary spouse and children. These beneficiaries may then be considered for advance travel authorization to travel to the United States to be considered for a discretionary grant of parole.  When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

If you have any questions about how this new parole process may affect your or your Ecuadorian relative’s case, please contact the immigration attorney at LHSCD working on your matter.  To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, please proceed to our Consultation Request Form.

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