This article was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Loan Huynh, Fredrikson Immigration Department Chair, is a member.
On October 18, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new family reunification parole process for certain nationals of Ecuador that also allows for work authorization. The new process is for certain nationals of Ecuador whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and who have received approval to join their family in the United States. Specifically, Ecuadorian nationals and their immediate family members can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to three years while waiting to apply to become lawful permanent residents.
Individuals paroled into the United States under this process will generally be considered for parole for up to three years and will be eligible to request work authorization while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available, DHS said. When their immigrant visa becomes available, they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the United States; must meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements; and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
