MIAMI.- The US government has announced new measures in immigration policy affecting citizens of South and Central American countries, including approval of family reunification parole for Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

The announcements are part of several measures the US administration is implementing to reduce the number of migrants expected to move toward its border with Mexico starting May 11, when Title 42 was suspended.

To implement the new immigration measures, regional processing centers will be created in Guatemala and Colombia to prescreen those seeking legal entry into the United States, but other countries will be announced in the coming weeks.

When the Title 42 public health order was repealed in May, an extension of humanitarian parole for Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans was also announced.

Title 42 is an emergency health regulation that was approved during the COVID-19 pandemic that allows for rapid evacuations at the border.

Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorgas provided details on the new measures.

Spain and Canada will receive immigrants

In the announcements, Spain and Canada said they would accept referrals from immigration processing centers.

Spain and Canada, according to the report, will receive migrants sent from processing centers such as Colombia and Guatemala to manage the applications of people who want to immigrate.

At these centers, people can obtain legal migration pathways such as refugee status, family reunification programs and work permits.

The U.S. government said it is expanding the number of appointments available through the CBP OPNE app, which allows people seeking asylum in the U.S. to schedule an appointment before they reach points of entry at the Mexican border.

Humane parole continues

The humanitarian parole, which has been challenged in the courts by the Republican attorney general, allows 30,000 of these immigrants to enter the country each month starting Jan. 6, provided they meet certain requirements, such as a “sponsor” who provides them with funds and protection. Your healthcare costs.

The permit to stay legally in the country is two years and allows them to work.

The program, which faces legal hurdles, will continue after May 11 for citizens of Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua.

Discharges under Title 8

Officials from the Department of State and Homeland Security provided some details of the new immigration policy and other measures to be implemented with partners in South and Central America as the Title 42 public health order is lifted.

Official spokespeople for the Biden administration told reporters today that the end of Title 42 does not mean the border is open. He explained that the government will return to Title 8 processing and that people entering the country who do not establish a legal basis for stay will be removed.

Mayorkas stressed that those trying to enter the US illegally will face consequences, including a 5-year ban. And even the possibility of facing criminal charges.

Those who do not meet the requirements to stay in the country and claim asylum are subject to this type of accelerated expulsion. In turn, citizens of Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti and Cuba will be deported to Mexico.

What is Family Reunification Scheme?

Currently, the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program (CFRP) allows eligible US citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for entry permits for their relatives in Cuba. It is not yet known whether the proposed reintegration parole for new nationals will work in the same way.

The U.S. Immigration Service explains about the CFRP that, if a permit to enter is granted, these family members can enter the United States without waiting for their immigrant visa priority dates. Once in the United States, beneficiaries can apply for a work permit while waiting to apply for lawful permanent residence.