In October 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) started a new process to allow certain Venezuelans to safely enter and temporarily stay in the United States for two years. Beginning January 6, 2023, the DHS began allowing certain Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans to participate in this same process for safe entry and temporary stay for two years.
Generally, to be considered for this benefit, the individuals must:
- Be outside of the United States;
- Be a citizen of Cuba, Haiti, or Nicaragua, or be the spouse or child of and traveling with the Cuban, Haitian, or Nicaraguan citizen;
- Have an eligible US-based supporter that is able to support them financially and by other means during their stay;
- Have a valid, unexpired passport;
- Be able to pay for their flight to the United States;
- Pass the national security background check and investigation;
- Complete vaccination and other public health requirements; and,
- Be able to show that approval of the two-year stay is necessary based on critical humanitarian reasons or would be significantly helpful to the public.
Those approved for entry may request for permission to work during their temporary stay.
To apply for this benefit, the US-based supporter must file the Form 134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support through the USCIS website on behalf of each qualifying individual they seek to support. There is no fee to file the Form I-134A.
Generally, an eligible US-based supporter must:
- Be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, non-immigrant in lawful status, or a recipient of deferred action;
- Pass the national security background check and investigation; and,
- Have enough financial resources to support the individual(s) for the duration of their temporary stay.
Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Venezuelan citizens that were given removal orders from the United States within the last five years or have entered the United States without authorization since January 6, 2023 are ineligible for this process. Individuals that were given a one-time option to leave or take back their application for admission will still be eligible for this process.
The DHS also removed the previous 24,000 limit of Venezuelans that could be approved for this process. Now, the agency will allow travel and temporary stay approvals for 30,000 qualified individuals from the four countries per month.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility or need assistance filling out the Form I-134A, or any immigration related matter, please do not hesitate to contact KILO Immigration, a Sacramento immigration law firm by filling out this contact form.