Elsa Carrera is a Cuban mother and grandmother who finally managed to reach the United States this Monday as a beneficiary of the humanitarian parole program. Her journey was fraught with challenges, notably when Delta Airlines initially denied her and other passengers boarding, citing a suspension of travel permits announced by the U.S. Department of State.
From Terminal 3 of Havana's airport, Carrera shared her distress with journalist Mario J. Pentón after being prevented from traveling. However, Elsa ultimately made it to the U.S., and Pentón interviewed her shortly after her arrival at Miami Airport. Elsa and her daughter, Leidys, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the journalist for shedding light on their situation.
Elsa Carrera expressed immense satisfaction with the opportunity to start a new life with her daughter and her five-month-old granddaughter in the United States. However, her joy was bittersweet as her husband remained in Cuba; his travel permit did not arrive in time, even though both had been approved since June.
After over 48 hours of uncertainty and anxiety, a group of Cubans with valid travel permits under the humanitarian parole program were finally able to board their flights on Monday. However, it is recommended that applicants verify their permits have not been revoked, as some previously granted authorizations have now been annulled as part of a review by State Department officials following a report that uncovered widespread fraud in application forms by some sponsors.
Authorities indicated that they are working with stakeholders, including airlines and sponsors, to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. The clarification came after program beneficiaries with reservations on American Airlines, Southwest, and other carriers were stranded at Cuban airports on August 3rd when the airlines refused to let them board.
Temporary Suspension of Travel Permits for Humanitarian Parole Beneficiaries
On August 2nd, the U.S. government temporarily froze travel permits for humanitarian parole beneficiaries following an internal report revealing significant levels of fraud, according to Fox News citing a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The government source stated that "out of an abundance of caution," they suspended the issuance of advance travel authorizations for the program since mid-July while conducting a thorough review of sponsor applications, which are the focus of the fraud concerns.
The CBP stopped issuing travel authorizations to Venezuelans on July 6th and to Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians since July 18th. The reasons for the temporary halt were detailed in an internal report from the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Authorities have stated that they will resume processing as soon as possible "with the appropriate safeguards," although no specific date has been given.
As of the end of June, 106,757 Cubans had benefited from the program, with around 104,130 having already traveled to the United States, according to official CBP figures.
Understanding the Humanitarian Parole Program and Its Challenges
Here we answer some pressing questions about the humanitarian parole program and recent travel permit suspensions that have affected many Cubans.
Why did Delta Airlines initially deny boarding to Elsa Carrera?
Delta Airlines denied boarding due to a suspension of travel permits announced by the U.S. Department of State.
What prompted the U.S. government to freeze travel permits for humanitarian parole beneficiaries?
The freeze was prompted by an internal report revealing significant levels of fraud in sponsor applications.
When did the CBP stop issuing travel authorizations to certain nationalities?
The CBP stopped issuing travel authorizations to Venezuelans on July 6th and to Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians since July 18th.