The Biden administration announced on October 2, 2022, a humanitarian process to allow certain Venezuelans to enter the United States.
The process is supposedly designed to allow for a safe and lawful way for Venezuelans to travel by air to the United States. These Venezuelans will also be allowed to temporarily reside in the United States and apply for work authorization.
To be eligible, a Venezuelan must:
- Have a supporter in the United States who will provide financial and other support.
- Pass a rigorous biometric and biographic national security and public safety screening and vetting.
- Complete vaccinations and other public health requirements.
Any U.S.-based individual with lawful status, including representatives of businesses or other organizations or entities, can support a potential beneficiary from Venezuela. A supporter must prove that they have the means to provide financial and other support for the beneficiary.
Individuals and representatives of organizations seeking to apply as a supporter must declare the organization’s financial support and they must pass security background checks to protect against exploitation and abuse.
Venezuelans approved via this process will be authorized on a case-by-case basis to travel to the United States by air directly to an interior port of entry, thus relieving pressure at the border. Once in the United States, they will be eligible to apply for work authorization.
Furthermore, Venezuelans must establish eligibility.
A Venezuelan is ineligible if:
- He has been ordered removed from the United States in the previous five years.
- He has crossed without authorization between ports of entry after the date of the announcement.
- Entered in an irregular manner into Mexico, or Panama after the date of the announcement, or is a permanent resident or dual national of any country other than Venezuela, or currently holds refugee status in any country.
- He has not completed vaccinations and other public health requirements.
The United States has come to an agreement with the Mexican government to return Venezuelans who arrive between ports of entry without authorization.
Note that the announcement lacks important information such as the period granted to stay in the United States and exact details to apply. It is assumed that the process will be similar to the parole application process under the United for Ukraine program we have discussed here. We will have further information and details as the Department of Homeland Security provides.
