The reactivation of the humanitarian parole program after a suspension of several weeks due to fraud allegations has introduced significant changes affecting sponsors. A major update is that sponsors are now required to register their fingerprints at immigration offices.
Importantly, sponsors will not receive postal notifications as with other procedures. Instead, they will be informed digitally about the date for their fingerprinting appointment. Therefore, it is crucial for sponsors to frequently check their online accounts to see if an appointment has been scheduled.
In an interview with Telemundo 51, immigration lawyer Rosaly Chaviano explained that this new measure aims to integrate sponsors into the immigration system, verifying any potential criminal records that could disqualify them. Although there was initially a proposed fee of $30 for fingerprinting, this has not been implemented, and sponsors will not have to pay for this process at this time.
Digital Notifications and Appointment Scheduling
Journalist Mario J. Pentón and lawyer Jesús Novo, in a recent analysis, detailed that sponsors can download a digital receipt from their My USCIS account and schedule a fingerprint appointment at any available office, regardless of their area of residence. This streamlined process is part of efforts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS to expedite the procedure and avoid delays caused by unreliable postal services.
Sponsors should regularly check their My USCIS accounts as notifications about fingerprint appointments are sent exclusively through this platform. According to Pentón and Novo, there is no need to print the notification; it can be presented directly from a mobile phone at the assigned office.
Processing Times and Fingerprint Registration
The fingerprinting process is operational, although some delays are reported. The average time between the request and notification is three to four weeks. While recent cases are being prioritized, some sponsors of earlier applications have also started receiving notifications for their fingerprints. Fingerprint registration is a crucial step for the approval of the humanitarian parole, and sponsors must complete this process to advance their applications.
Duration and Legal Status Options
The validity of the parole remains at 24 months, during which migrants must seek alternatives to extend their stay or change their legal status. Specifically for Cuban migrants, after one year and one day in the United States, they are eligible to apply for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Other migrants have options such as the U visa, T visa, or asylum applications.