The Department of Homeland Security has ended categorical family reunification parole for migrants from seven countries. This eliminates group-based approvals and restores humanitarian parole to case-specific reviews, marking a broader shift in parole authority across the U.S. immigration system.
DHS Terminates Family Reunification Parole Programs
The Department of Homeland Security has formally terminated all family reunification parole programs for nationals of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, including eligible immediate family members.
The change affects all family-based categorical parole pathways. DHS said programs grew beyond their intended purpose and became broad admission tools rather than being used for discretionary, individualized decisions. The agency stated the termination restores parole authority to its statutory framework.
Humanitarian Parole Returns to Individual Review
DHS says humanitarian parole was never meant as a large-scale admissions tool. Officials said categorical parole increased security and fraud risks by limiting individualized vetting. While family unity matters, DHS emphasizes it does not outweigh security concerns. Future requests will be reviewed individually, not by group or country.
Impact on Current Parole Holders
A Federal Register notice outlines how the termination will be implemented. Individuals in the United States on family reunification parole are eligible to keep their parole valid beyond January 14, 2026, only if they meet the specific criteria described in the notice; otherwise, their parole will be terminated on that date.
Parole may remain valid for individuals who have filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or before December 15, 2025, and whose application remains pending as of January 14, 2026. For these individuals, parole will remain in effect until a final decision is issued or the parole period expires.
Employment Authorization and Departure Requirements
DHS confirmed that employment authorization tied to family-reunification parole will be revoked upon parole’s expiration. Affected individuals will receive individual notice of the parole termination and the loss of work authorization.
Those without other legal status must depart before parole ends. DHS advises using the CBP Home app to report plans. Eligible individuals may receive incentives such as travel or financial assistance, as well as forgiveness of some civil fines.
Looking Ahead
Ending family reunification parole marks a broader shift in humanitarian parole policy under the current administration. Immigration stakeholders will track how the case-by-case review is applied.
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Resources
- https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhs-ends-the-abuse-of-the-humanitarian-parole-process-and-terminates-family-reunification-parole
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/15/2025-22744/termination-of-family-reunification-parole-processes-for-colombians-cubans-ecuadorians-guatemalans
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/dhs-ends-family-reunification-parole-programs-for-seven-countries-deadline-set-for-january-14-2026/amp_articleshow/125940132.cms
