The Department of Homeland Security announced on Friday that it is terminating all categorical family reunification parole programs for immigrants from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, along with their immediate family members. The decision returns the parole process to a case-by-case system, which officials said is the approach originally intended by Congress.
DHS emphasized that the family reunification parole programs had been misused, stating that the administration is “ending the abuse of humanitarian parole which allowed poorly vetted aliens to circumvent the traditional parole process,” and returning parole decisions to a case-by-case basis, as originally intended by Congress.
The agency highlighted concerns that the programs had created security gaps and exposed the United States to potential fraud and abuse. DHS emphasized that family reunification objectives do not outweigh the government’s responsibility to uphold national security and protect public safety.
Under the termination plan, immigrants currently paroled under the FRP programs whose parole has not expired as of January 14, 2026, will see it end on that date unless they have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed on or before December 15, 2025. In such cases, parole remains valid until either the period expires or a final decision is made on the application. DHS noted that employment authorization granted under FRP will also be revoked, and individuals without a lawful basis to remain must depart before the termination date.
Officials pointed to incentives, including financial assistance and forgiveness of civil fines, for those who use the CBP Home app to report their departure.
