Few issues of immigration are as emotionally charged and politically contentious as asylum seeker issues, especially Cuban nationals who risk their lives to seek freedom and opportunity in America.
The United States government has implemented a humanitarian parole program tailored specifically toward Cuban asylum seekers seeking entry to meet their specific circumstances. We will examine its history, purpose, eligibility criteria, and potential effects on those seeking sanctuary here.
An Overview of Cuban Immigration to the United States
Cuban immigration to the U.S. can be traced back as far as the 19th century; however, Fidel Castro's rise to power in 1959 marked an inflection point that precipitated waves of Cubans leaving in search of freedom and economic security - most dramatically during 1980 during Mariel boatlift when over 125,000 Cubans made the voyage quickly into American shores.
As a response, the United States instituted several policies designed to meet the unique needs of Cuban asylum seekers. Perhaps most notable was the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, which granted Cubans special immigration status upon arriving, effectively offering direct pathways toward permanent residency status.
Humanitarian Parole for Cubans
Humanitarian parole is an administrative decision-making mechanism designed to temporarily allow otherwise inadmissible individuals into the US for compelling humanitarian reasons. While humanitarian parole may apply to asylum seekers from multiple nations, the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) program caters explicitly to Cuban nationals seeking reunification with family in America. It was first introduced under former President George W. Bush and continues today despite administration changes.
Humanitarian Parole for Cuban Asylum Seekers
Humanitarian parole for Cuban asylum seekers serves to facilitate family reunification. Since many Cubans with family living in America have already filed their asylum claims, humanitarian parole provides an easy and supportive method to reunite families while they pursue asylum claims. Not only will this reduce emotional strain due to separation, but it will also assist newcomers in successfully navigating a complex asylum application process.
Criteria to Apply for Cuban Family Reunification Parole
To become eligible for humanitarian parole through Cuba's Family Reunification Parole program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
Relationship to U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Among all the necessary criteria, having an eligible family relationship with an American or lawful permanent resident (LPR), such as a spouse, children, parents, or siblings, is critical.
Admissibility
To meet admissibility requirements, including background checks, medical exams and any necessary immigration processes.
Affidavit of Support
Petitioners living in the US must submit an affidavit showing they can financially support a Cuban family member during his/her parole period.
Humanitarian Parole Application
Petitioners are filing humanitarian parole for their Cuban family member file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Impact of Humanitarian Parole for Cuban Asylum Seekers
The CFRP program has had a profound effect on Cuban asylum seekers and their families:
Reunification
Through its Reunification Program, thousands of Cuban families who had become separated because of immigration policies or outside circumstances have been brought back together again.
Economic Stability
Once granted humanitarian parole, Cuban immigrants become eligible to work legally in the US economy and contribute to its stability; this is good news for themselves and their communities!
Reduced Risky Migration
By offering legal pathways to family reunification, CFRP has helped lower the incentive for hazardous and illegal migration methods such as makeshift rafts or human trafficking networks.
Challenges and Controversies in Education Reform
CFRP program has no doubt provided much-needed relief to many Cuban asylum seekers; however, its existence isn't without challenges and controversy:
Backlogs and Delays
Unfortunately, like other immigration processes, CFRP program has experienced long delays when processing applications resulting in families being separated for extended periods.
Selective Application
Critics assert that this program favors Cuban asylum seekers over those from other nations, potentially creating disparities in treatment between groups.
Policy Shifts
Any shift in U.S. immigration policies and political dynamics could impact continuity and eligibility criteria of an immigration program and lead to uncertainty for applicants.
Humanitarian parole for Cuban asylum seekers represents a compassionate approach to immigration that recognizes their particular circumstances. The United States have always offered refuge and family reunification opportunities to Cuban nationals escaping their nation of birth.
Although not without controversy or challenge, CFRP remains an unparalleled lifeline that brings hope for Cuban citizens seeking freedom and opportunity here on American shores. If you want to seek asylum and get help through humanitarian parole in the United States, Haque Legal is here to help.