Key Takeaways
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is terminating all categorical family reunification parole (FRP) programs for aliens from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members.
- The termination is aimed at ending the abuse of humanitarian parole and returning to a case-by-case basis as intended by Congress.
- The FRP programs had security gaps that posed an unacceptable level of risk to the United States, and DHS is prioritizing the safety, security, and well-being of Americans.
- Aliens who were paroled under the FRP programs and have a pending Form I-485 may have their parole remain valid until a final decision is made on their application.
- Aliens who do not have a lawful basis to stay in the United States after termination of the FRP programs must depart the United States before their parole termination date.
Introduction to the Termination of FRP Programs
The Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of all categorical family reunification parole (FRP) programs for aliens from seven countries, including Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members. This decision marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to humanitarian parole, which was previously being used to allow poorly vetted aliens to circumvent the traditional parole process. The termination of these programs is intended to return parole to a case-by-case basis, as originally intended by Congress, and to prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of Americans.
Rationale Behind the Termination
The decision to terminate the FRP programs is driven by concerns over national security and public safety. The programs had security gaps caused by insufficient vetting, which malicious and fraudulent actors could exploit to enter the United States. This posed an unacceptable level of risk to the country, and the administration has determined that the desire to reunite families does not outweigh the government’s responsibility to prevent fraud and abuse. By ending the FRP programs, the administration is taking a necessary step to restore common-sense policies and prioritize the interests of Americans.
Administration of the Termination
The termination of the FRP programs will be administered through a Federal Register notice, which outlines the procedures for implementing the change. Aliens who were paroled in the United States under the FRP programs and whose parole has not yet expired on January 14, 2026, will have their parole terminated on that date, unless they have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, that is postmarked or electronically filed on or before December 15, 2025. If an alien has a pending Form I-485, their parole will remain valid until either their period of parole expires or a final decision is made on their pending application.
Consequences of Termination
When an alien’s period of parole is terminated under the FRP programs, their employment authorization based on that parole will also be revoked. The alien will be notified individually of the termination of their parole period and the revocation of their employment authorization. Aliens who do not have a lawful basis to stay in the United States after termination of the FRP programs must depart the United States before their parole termination date. To facilitate this process, the CBP Home app can be used to report intent to depart the United States, and incentives such as an exit bonus, financial and travel document assistance, and forgiveness of civil fines are available to qualifying aliens.
Next Steps for Affected Aliens
Aliens who are affected by the termination of the FRP programs should take immediate action to understand their options and obligations. Those who have a pending Form I-485 should ensure that their application is properly filed and pending, as this may affect the validity of their parole. Aliens who do not have a lawful basis to stay in the United States should make arrangements to depart the country before their parole termination date, using the CBP Home app to report their intent to depart. The Department of Homeland Security will provide individual notifications to affected aliens, and additional information is available on the DHS website. By taking these steps, the administration aims to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruption to affected individuals and families.