A new legal immigration pathway for immigrants from Ecuador has been implemented by the Biden administration to help slow the influx of illegal immigrants trekking to enter the United States at its border with Mexico.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Family Reunification Parole (FRP) allows U.S-based Ecuadorians to sponsor immediate family members abroad to come into the country legally.
“Establishing this process for certain Ecuadorian nationals will ensure more families can access lawful pathways rather than placing themselves at the mercy of smugglers to make the dangerous journey,” he said.
“Those who do not avail themselves of family reunification parole or other lawful, safe, and orderly pathways, and attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to face tough consequences.”
To qualify, an Ecuadorian must have a family member who is already a citizen or permanent resident to sponsor him or her for an immigrant visa. If approved, officials will invite the applicant to enter the United States under the humanitarian parole authority without waiting for a visa.
Under the new FRP process, qualifying applicants must be outside the United States at the time of application and go through all the usual screening, vetting, and medical requirements. Anyone who has already received an immigrant visa isn’t eligible.
As part of the FRP, migrants can remain in the United States for up to three years, apply for work permits while they wait for an immigrant visa, and then apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
The process is being touted as much faster than the family-based visa system, which is nearly permanently backlogged and capped at a specific number. The FRP already includes eligible nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Chaos in Ecuador Driving Up Emigrant Numbers
Ecuador previously had its own immigration crisis, as millions fled socialist Venezuela to escape hyperinflation and extreme poverty in the once-wealthy nation. In recent years, Ecuadorians have also been fleeing their country in huge numbers because of a struggling economy and a massive uptick in violent crimes from drug cartels and street gangs.
