Uniting Families: All about Family Reunification and Family Reunification Parole in the U.S.

The Family Reunification is a fundamental pillar of U.S. immigration policy, providing several avenues for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their family members into the country.

This article explores two main avenues: the traditional process of Family Reunification and the Family Reunification Parolehighlighting its requirements, procedures and benefits.

Family Reunification Process:

This process allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for their immediate family members to move to the U.S. permanently.

These are the family relationships eligible under the U.S. family reunification process under current immigration policy:

Preference Category

Family Relationship

Sponsor

F1 1st Preference

Unmarried children over 21 years of age

U.S. Citizens

F2A 2nd Preference (2A)

Spouses and children under 21 years of age

Legal permanent residents

F2B 2nd Preference (2B)

Unmarried children over 21 years of age

Legal permanent residents

F3 3rd Preference

Married children of any age

U.S. Citizens

F4 4th Preference

Brothers and sisters

U.S. Citizens

 

Requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

  • Demonstrate family relationship (spouses, children under 21 years of age, parents, among others).

  • Meet the income requirements for financial sponsorship.

Family Reunification Process Step by Step:

1
Visa Application and Petition:
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident (sponsor) must file Form I-130 with USCIS to establish the relationship to the beneficiary.
2
Approval of the Petition:
Once the petition is approved, visa availability is determined according to the family preference category.
3
Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status:
The beneficiary, depending on his or her location, will proceed with consular processing or adjust status if already in the U.S.
4
Interview and Admissibility Assessment:
The beneficiary undergoes an interview and eligibility criteria are evaluated.
5
Obtaining Visa and Entry to the U.S.A.:
If approved, the beneficiary receives a visa to enter the U.S. and may adjust status to permanent resident.

Benefits:

  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency.

  • Allows families to live together in the United States.

Proceso de Parole de Reunificación Familiar:

Family Reunification Parole Process:

It is a mechanism that allows certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis, primarily for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefits.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Family Reunification Parole?

To apply for Family Reunification Parole, you must demonstrate a direct relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is sponsoring you.

Groups that may benefit include:

  1. Parents, spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. citizens.

  2. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of legal permanent residents.

  3. Other family members may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements:

  • Have a close relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

  • Demonstrate that presence in the U.S. is for a humanitarian reason or significant public benefit.

  • Submit the required documentation, including Form I-131 to apply for Parole.

Family Reunification Parole Process:

1
Invitation to Sponsor:
Following an invitation from the NVC, the sponsor initiates the process by submitting Form I-134A to demonstrate financial support.
2
Confirmation of Application by USCIS:
USCIS reviews the application and, if approved, allows the beneficiary to continue the process.
3
Submission of Information by the Beneficiary:
The beneficiary must provide biographical and eligibility information through an online account.
4
Submission of the Application in the CBP One Application:
The beneficiary completes his or her application through the CBP One mobile application.
5
Approval to Travel to the U.S.:
If eligible, the beneficiary receives authorization to travel to the U.S. and seek parole at a port of entry.
6
Inspection at Port of Entry and Granting of Parole:
Upon arrival, the beneficiary is inspected by CBP and may receive parole for up to three years.

Benefits:

  • Allows family reunification while more permanent immigration situations are being resolved.

  • It grants work permits and access to certain services while it is in effect.

Family Reunification and Family Reunification Parole

Both are processes designed to facilitate the union of families that are geographically separated due to migratory circumstances. However, they have specific purposes and procedures that differentiate them:

Family Reunification:
This process is designed to allow immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to immigrate to the United States on a permanent basis. It involves applying for immigrant visas through family preference categories, which depend on the type of family relationship (such as spouses, children or parents).
Family Reunification Parole:
This mechanism is used in situations where the beneficiary does not necessarily qualify for an immigrant visa under the normal categories, but is allowed to enter the United States for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole is not an immigration status, but a temporary permit that allows beneficiaries to be in the United States for a specified time. It is often used in urgent or exceptional circumstances to allow for quicker family reunification while other more permanent immigration proceedings are being resolved.

Both processes are designed to support the integrity of immigrant families, but are applied in different contexts and have different legal requirements and consequences.

Conclusions:

Both the Family Reunification as the Family Reunification Parole offer valuable opportunities for families to reunite in the U.S. under different circumstances and needs.

It is essential to understand both processes and work with immigration professionals to maximize the chances of success and minimize legal challenges.

At USA FILE SolutionsWe are committed to helping you through every step of the immigration process. Our team of immigration experts is aware of all updates and changes in regulations and is prepared to assist you in preparing and submitting your application in an accurate and timely manner.

Need help? we are here for you!

If you have questions about the changes in the application submission procedures or if you need assistance in preparing and submitting your application, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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