Immigration policies in the U.S. are shifting once again. On January 28, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would no longer accept Form I-134A, a crucial document used by U.S. residents to financially sponsor migrants seeking humanitarian parole. This decision comes in response to President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Order, “Securing Our Borders,” which calls for an end to certain humanitarian parole programs.
But what is humanitarian parole, and how does this policy change impact applicants? Understanding the details is important if you or someone you know has been affected by this decision.
What Is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is a special immigration status that allows individuals to enter or stay in the United States temporarily due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Unlike a visa, humanitarian parole is not a path to permanent residency or citizenship. Instead, it temporarily relieves those facing extreme hardship or life-threatening situations.
Who Qualifies for Humanitarian Parole?
USCIS reviews applications on a case-by-case basis and typically grants parole to individuals who:
- Need emergency medical treatment unavailable in their home country.
- Are at imminent risk of harm, such as victims of persecution, trafficking, or domestic violence.
- Seek temporary reunification with family due to urgent circumstances.
- Are fleeing war, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian parole is temporary, usually lasting one to two years. After that period, individuals must either apply for another form of legal status or leave the U.S.
What Is Form I-134A?
Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, was used by U.S. residents to financially sponsor migrants seeking humanitarian parole. It allowed individuals to prove their ability to support parolees and prevent them from becoming public charges.
Programs That Relied on Form I-134A
The form played a major role in several humanitarian parole programs, including:
- Uniting for Ukraine – Allowed Ukrainians fleeing war to seek temporary protection in the U.S.
- Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) – Provided parole opportunities for migrants from these countries.
- Family Reunification Parole Procedures – Helped reunite families separated by immigration policies.
What This Means for Applicants
- Increased Uncertainty for Applicants
This decision creates a lot of uncertainty for individuals applying for humanitarian parole through programs like Uniting for Ukraine or the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV). If you’re waiting for approval under these programs, your application might be delayed or put on hold indefinitely. This leaves applicants in a difficult situation as they face the unknown while waiting for updates.
- No More New Sponsorships
Before the suspension, U.S. residents could use Form I-134A to sponsor migrants needing humanitarian parole. This allowed sponsors to support the applicants financially, ensuring they would not become a burden on public resources. Now, this option is gone. Instead, sponsors might need to file Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), which comes with tougher financial requirements. This change could make the process more difficult or out of reach for many potential sponsors.
- Possible Deportation for Some Parolees
This change might affect the ability of individuals granted humanitarian parole under the paused programs to stay in the U.S. when their status expires. Renewal options are unclear at the moment, so some people who have been living legally in the U.S. under humanitarian parole could find themselves in a precarious position. Without clear guidance on renewals, parolees might face the risk of deportation once their status runs out.
- Exceptions to the Rule
Fortunately, not all immigration processes are affected by this change. Family-based visas, employment-based visas, and other standard visa applications are still operating as usual. This means that if you are applying through one of these traditional channels, this suspension of Form I-134A should not affect you.
While this decision is a major shift, USCIS has not given any specific timeline for when (or if) they will begin accepting Form I-134A again. This leaves many in limbo, unsure of their future. For applicants and sponsors alike, it’s important to stay informed about potential changes to immigration policies and how they might impact your ability to apply or sponsor someone for humanitarian parole.
Speak to an Experienced Immigration Attorney Today!
If you or someone you know is affected by the suspension of Form I-134A, it’s important to get professional legal help. Immigration laws are changing quickly, and dealing with these challenges on your own can be tough. An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your rights, explore options, and create the best plan. Having the right guidance can make a big difference during such uncertain times.
At 360 Immigration Law, we’re here to help guide you through this challenging time. Our consultations are flexible and designed to fit your needs—whether you prefer to meet in person, speak over the phone, or even communicate through text messages. We proudly serve clients not only across the United States but also globally.
Contact us at 954.667.3660 today to schedule a consultation. Let us provide the legal support you need during this uncertain time!