DHS Announces Permit for Family Reunification for Ecuadorians

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service has unveiled a new chapter in the Biden Administration’s immigration strategy, with the establishment of a Humanitarian Family Reunification Permit (FRP), exclusively for Ecuadorian citizens. This measure, revealed through a notice in the Federal Register, represents a key effort to expand legal pathways and strengthen law enforcement to reduce irregular immigration.

The FRP process aims to promote family unity and is part of the global initiatives announced in April to encourage safe and orderly migration. This new pathway, available only by invitation, will allow certain Ecuadorian nationals to consider obtaining a temporary stay permit in the United States on an individualized basis. The process aspires to expedite family reunification and provide a secure alternative to irregular immigration.

Ecuadorian citizens who are beneficiaries of the Foreign Relative Petition may be considered eligible for this temporary stay permit under the new FRP processes. To qualify, they must meet specific requirements, including background checks, medical requirements, and not having previously received an immigrant visa.

The process is initiated by the Department of State for U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who have filed Form I-130 on behalf of an Ecuadorian beneficiary. These beneficiaries may include children and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and children of permanent residents.

When Did It Start?

Since November 17th, the DHS has been using Form I-134A, Online Petition to Become a Supporter and Financial Support Statement, to manage and expedite this process.

It is essential to highlight that the granting of this temporary stay permit will be authorized on a case-by-case basis and temporarily, based on the assessment of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefits.

Non-citizens who receive this permit will be eligible to apply for work authorization while waiting for the availability of their immigrant visas. Once their visas are available, they can apply for legal permanent residence.

This measure adds to the previously announced FRP processes for other countries and reinforces the United States’ commitment to safe and orderly migration. For complete details on the application process and eligibility criteria, you can refer to the full notice on the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

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