The number of Cubans authorized to travel to the United States "in a safe, orderly, and legal manner" through the humanitarian parole program approved by the Biden administration in January 2023 reached 95,500 in April, according to recent data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This initiative allows for up to 30,000 visas monthly for nationals of these countries.
According to the CBP, by the end of April 2024, more than 434,800 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were approved to travel under this program. Specifically, the breakdown includes 95,500 Cubans, 184,600 Haitians, 83,800 Nicaraguans, and 109,200 Venezuelans who were vetted and authorized for travel.
Of these approved travelers, over 91,000 Cubans, 166,700 Haitians, 75,700 Nicaraguans, and 101,200 Venezuelans have successfully entered the U.S. legally and were granted parole.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently disclosed that, during 2023, more than 1.5 million people were awaiting humanitarian parole, whose primary aim is to reunite families and deter illegal entry attempts.
Impact of Humanitarian Parole in 2023
Between January and October of last year, 269,744 individuals entered the U.S. through the humanitarian parole program. Additionally, 1.6 million people were pending review with an I-134 application, as reported by journalist Daniel Benítez on May 1st via his YouTube channel, sharing information from the House Homeland Security Committee.
In recent days, U.S. authorities informed journalists based in the country that another legal entry route, the CBP One app, launched by DHS in January 2023, has enabled approximately 547,000 migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry and legally apply for asylum.
Thanks to these measures, U.S. authorities have observed a significant decrease in migrant encounters at the border during the early part of this year. In March, 137,480 arrests were reported for irregular crossings, marking a 2.3% decline compared to February.
Frequently Asked Questions About Humanitarian Parole for Cubans
For those seeking more information about the humanitarian parole program and its impact on Cuban migrants, here are some common questions and answers:
What is the humanitarian parole program?
The humanitarian parole program allows individuals from certain countries, including Cuba, to legally enter the U.S. in a safe and orderly manner. It was approved by the Biden administration in January 2023.
How many Cubans have been approved for travel under this program?
As of April 2024, 95,500 Cubans have been approved for travel under the humanitarian parole program.
What is the CBP One app?
The CBP One app, launched by the Department of Homeland Security, allows migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry and apply for asylum legally.