A new family reunification parole process will soon allow certain immigrants from Ecuador with relatives in the US to be considered for humanitarian entry, the Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday.
Qualifying Ecuadorians must have a relative in the U.S. who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who can sponsor them for an immigrant visa. The family reunification parole would be granted on a case-by-case basis “upon a showing of compelling humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit,” according to the DHS.
In a statement, the department said the move was part of a larger commitment by President Joe Biden’s administration to expand legal immigration pathways and reduce illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border.
“Establishing this process for certain Ecuadorian nationals will ensure that more families have access to legal avenues instead of turning to smugglers to make the dangerous journey,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “Those who do not take advantage of family reunification parole or other legal, safe and orderly pathways and attempt to enter the United States illegally will continue to face severe consequences.”
This is the first time the Biden administration has created a parole process for Ecuadorians, who have recently arrived at the southern border in greater numbers, rising from 3,700 in August 2022 to 13,700 this past August.
The increase in Ecuadorians travelling to the US coincides with an escalation in drug violence in the country over the past three years. Murders, kidnappings, robberies and other criminal activities have become a way of life in Ecuador.
The family reunification programme for Ecuadorians mirrors similar initiatives already available to certain Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Honduran immigrants.
Under the programme, those paroled into the US will generally be considered for parole for up to three years. They are also eligible to apply for work permits while they wait for their immigrant visas. When their visa becomes available, they can apply for lawful permanent residence.
The Federal Register notice detailing the eligibility criteria and application process had not been published by early Thursday afternoon. DHS said it would be available soon.