The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented processes a year before citizens of Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti could legally travel to the United States.
The initiative provides for travel permits and parole, prior authorization for urgent humanitarian reasons or in the public interest, and temporary respite of up to two years.
A step liberation According to a recent report from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in December 2023, a total of 327,000 Latin American travelers entered the United States legally under the program. The most represented nationalities are Cubans, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans with 67,000, 81,000 and 53,000 travelers respectively.
Once approved, beneficiaries must fly directly to their final destination, the United States. In December, the following were approved to travel on parole:
- 69,000 Cubans
- 87,000 Venezuelans
- 60,000 Nicaraguans
The program is part of a broader DHS effort to promote legal immigration. Includes family reunification and use of the CBP One mobile app. In December 2023, 45,770 migrants were admitted at land border crossings with Mexico through this transit system. A total of 413,300 individuals have been interviewed by Customs since its implementation.
Latin American nationals, using the CBP One system, include Venezuelans, Mexicans, and Haitians.
These data demonstrate the significant impact of these policies in facilitating legal travel to the United States for citizens of Latin American countries, providing a safe and legal passage for those who qualify.