USCIS to consider individual requests for parole submitted for certain relatives who are the beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions

USCIS has announced a new program that will offer certain beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to request a discretionary grant of parole on a case-by-case basis so that they may come to the United States as they wait for their immigrant visa numbers to become available. Specifically known as the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, USCIS will now have the ability to consider individual requests for parole submitted for certain relatives who are the beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions filed by Filipino veterans or their surviving spouses. The policy recognizes the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices of Filipino veterans who fought for the U.S. during World War II.

Where USCIS determines that exercising such discretion is appropriate, USCIS may approve parole requests for such relatives so that they may wait in the United States until they are able to adjust status under existing immigration laws.   In many cases, paroling these family members may allow them to provide the support and care for elderly veterans or their surviving spouses.

Do You or Someone You Know Qualify?  Those who may benefit from the FWVP policy are individuals….

• who are the beneficiaries of Forms I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, including any accompanying or following-to-join spouse and children, who were approved on or before the filing date of the parole request (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document);
• whose qualifying relationship with the petitioning relative existed on or before May 9, 2016;
• whose petitioning relative is residing in the United States (or, if deceased, was residing in the United States at the time of death);
• whose immigrant visas are not authorized for issuance per the Application Final Action Dates chart for family-sponsored preference cases on the Department of State's Visa Bulletin; and
• whose petitioning relatives have established they are either Filipino World War II veterans or are the surviving spouses of such individuals (as recognized by the Department of Defense)

When Can We Apply?  USCIS has stated that on or after June 8, 2016, individuals will be able to request parole under the FWVP policy. USCIS strongly encourages eligible individuals interested in requesting parole under the FWVP Program do so within 5 years from June 8, 2016.  Due to this suggested timeframe, please contact our office for guidance on filing for this benefit