The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently reported a series of fraud cases jeopardizing the continuity of the humanitarian parole program, which benefits Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrants. Journalist Javier Díaz interviewed immigration attorney José Guerrero to discuss the implications of committing or falling victim to fraud within the humanitarian parole program.
Guerrero began his analysis by distinguishing between beneficiaries who did not commit fraud and sponsors who did. Beneficiaries unaware of the fraud would not face criminal charges. Sponsors, whether inside or outside the United States, could face various penalties. The attorney emphasized that this type of fraud remains on an individual's record.
"It will be very challenging for them to enter the United States in the future. Those already in the country who were aware of their actions could face criminal charges, revocation of residency, or even deportation," Guerrero stated.
If a beneficiary's parole is linked to fraud, they will lose their process. Those who sought help to fill out a form or paid for such assistance should keep the contact information of the person who initiated the process and document every step with images to prove they were not involved in the fraud.
The attorney noted that penalties for proven fraud in the humanitarian parole program could be as severe as 10 years in prison. Common types of fraud identified by authorities include using social security numbers of deceased individuals, incorrect addresses (such as warehouses and businesses) to avoid providing the actual residence of beneficiaries, and using sponsors' data without their authorization.
There have been instances where individuals committed crimes such as paying cash or electronically to bribe officials and expedite the issuance of parole. Some sponsors, upon reviewing their files, discovered beneficiaries they did not even know.
The program has been temporarily halted since last week. However, the U.S. government has allowed some individuals with approved permits to travel to the country and is still accepting applications through the form I-134A.
Understanding Humanitarian Parole Fraud
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding fraud within the humanitarian parole program to help clarify the situation.
What are the consequences for sponsors involved in fraud?
Sponsors involved in fraud could face criminal charges, difficulty entering the U.S. in the future, and potential deportation if they are already in the country.
How can beneficiaries prove they were not involved in fraud?
Beneficiaries should keep the contact information of the person who helped them with their forms and document each step with images to demonstrate their lack of involvement in the fraud.
What are some common types of fraud identified in the program?
Common types of fraud include using social security numbers of deceased individuals, providing incorrect addresses, and using sponsors' data without their authorization.