DHS Ends Humanitarian Parole and Terminates Family Reunification Parole

Key Point  

• DHS announced it will end humanitarian parole and terminate Family Reunification Parole programs, directing impacted individuals to formal visa pathways 

Humanitarian Parole and Family Reunification Parole Updates 

On December 11, 2025, DHS confirmed that all categorical Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs will end and parole will return to a case‑by‑case basis.

This update applies to foreign nationals from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras, along with their immediate family members.

DHS Rationale

DHS stated that the programs presented security and vetting concerns. The agency has also directed impacted individuals to pursue immigrant visa processes or other lawful pathways.

Looking Ahead

Additional details were published in a Federal Register Notice that is expected to officially be published on December 15, 2025:

• Scope of termination: DHS is ending all nine FRP programs. This includes the modernized programs launched in 2023 (Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Haiti) and the legacy programs for Cuba (2007) and Haiti (2014).
• Effective date: Parole granted under FRP will terminate 30 days after publication in the Federal Register (scheduled for December 15, 2025).
• Exceptions:
  • Individuals with a pending Form I‑485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) filed by the publication date will retain parole until USCIS makes a final decision or their parole period expires.
  • DHS retains discretion to grant re‑parole on a case‑by‑case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
• Employment authorization: DHS will revoke work authorization tied to FRP parole once parole ends.
• Departure requirements: Individuals without another lawful basis to remain in the U.S. must depart before their parole termination date. DHS has indicated that departure incentives and assistance (such as exit bonuses, travel document support and forgiveness of civil fines) may be available through the CBP Home app.
• Rationale for termination: DHS determined that the FRP programs no longer serve a significant public benefit, present security and fraud risks due to limited vetting and do not align with current administration priorities.

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