DHS resumes process of advanced travel authorization for Biden humanitarian parole program

NEW YORK — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the resumption of advanced travel authorizations for beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole program, also known as the Biden Program.

This parole program, which provides a safe and orderly pathway for certain individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) to enter the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons, was paused on Aug. 2 due to allegations of fraud.

A news alert posted on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) site Friday read: “ As part of an internal review, DHS has implemented updated safeguards to the CHNV processes, incorporating rigorous enhanced vetting in the supporter application process.” 

DHS encourages beneficiaries to continue monitoring their USCIS account for updated information regarding their advanced travel authorizations (ATAs). “Individuals with a valid, unexpired ATA are permitted to travel,” the news alert said.

Launched in January 2023, this initiative reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to expanding lawful immigration pathways and reducing the risks associated with irregular migration.

It allows up to 30,000 individuals per month from the four countries to travel to the U.S. under parole, provided they have a U.S.-based financial supporter filing a form I-134A on their behalf and they pass rigorous vetting and background checks. As of August over 138,000 individuals from Haiti have benefited from the program, according to data from the U.S. Homeland Security.

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